Launch Complex 14 – The Blockhouse – Biking through Space Ruins (Part 3)
The blockhouse is about 750′ from where the launch stand used to exist and is 60′ in diameter. As you approach the Blockhouse there is a graphic display of all of the launches from Complex 14, the most famous are the the four manned Atlas Mercury launches, Friendship 7 (20 February 1962); Aurora 7 (24 May 1962); Sigma 7 (3 October 1962); Faith 7 (15 May 1963).
Biking up to the entrance there are some signs on the Blockhouse rules and the door has information about clearing work with Blockhouse monitor before beginning any tasks. There are also steps up to the top of the Blockhouse you can climb for a great view of the old Launch Complex.
A view of Complex 14 Blockhouse and the entrance to the Main Blockhouse Door.
Entrance to the Blockhouse with graphics depicting all the launches from Complex 14.
Sign posted on the entrance to the Blockhouse.
Complex 14 Blockhouse Door Entrance
The author on his way back down from the viewing area on top of Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse.
View of Launch Complex 14 Launch Site and structure from the top of the Blockhouse.
The Periscope on top of the LC-14 Blockhouse
A view the LC-14 Blockhouse from the back site of the Launch Complex
About the Author and Photographer: Alden Pitard has over 40 years experience working in the Aerospace Industry at Cape Canaveral, The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Boeing locations throughout the country. He has supported the Space Shuttle Program, International Space Station, 787 Dreamliner and most recently the Artemis Program. During his time at "The Cape" he photographed a majority of the Launch Sites at KSC and Cape Canaveral. As the Space Shuttle program was coming to a close in 2011, the author decided to bike to all the Launch Complexes he could and capture the Space Center and Cape Canaveral as it was - thus "Biking through Space Ruins".