LC-39 Flame Trench Temporary Power

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Year:

2014

Location:

Kennedy Space Center

Summary:

Temporary Power
Branch Circuits

Project Gallery

In October of 2014, our team at Core Electric was proud to support infrastructure upgrades at one of the most iconic and historically significant launch platforms in the United States—Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center. Our role in this mission-critical project focused on the installation of temporary power systems and branch circuits to support ongoing modifications and testing within the flame trench area, which plays a vital role in the launch infrastructure for NASA’s next-generation space missions.

Launch Complex 39B has been a cornerstone of American spaceflight history, serving as the platform for numerous Apollo and Space Shuttle launches. As NASA prepared the site for the Space Launch System (SLS) and future Artemis missions, substantial modifications were needed to adapt the flame trench for modern requirements. Our team was brought in to provide temporary electrical systems that could reliably power a range of construction equipment, systems testing platforms, safety lighting, and communication setups throughout the active work zones.

The scope of our work involved meticulous planning and execution. Our electricians established multiple temporary power panels and ensured reliable distribution across a series of branch circuits that served various subsystems. Because the flame trench is a highly specialized structure designed to redirect and absorb the immense heat and energy produced during launch, working in and around it required an elevated level of awareness and technical discipline. Our solutions had to meet both the rugged demands of a dynamic work environment and the precision required for aerospace-grade operations.

We started by coordinating closely with NASA’s engineering and safety teams to map out optimal locations for power drops and branch circuits. This included assessing load requirements for different segments of the project, ensuring power separation for critical systems, and integrating grounding and surge protection measures to safeguard sensitive equipment. Many of these systems were placed in high-traffic and high-impact areas, so we designed each circuit layout to prioritize both durability and safety.

Time was a major factor. We were often working on accelerated schedules to accommodate other trades and testing timelines. Our team brought in prefabricated panels and modular cabling systems to reduce on-site installation time and mitigate weather-related delays. The flame trench, being partially exposed to the elements, presented challenges related to moisture control and material degradation, but we planned accordingly by using weather-resistant conduit, sealed enclosures, and watertight connections.

Additionally, we ensured our temporary systems complied with all relevant NASA electrical safety protocols, NFPA standards, and NEC regulations. Every component was double-checked and tested under load to confirm reliability before being turned over to on-site crews.

What distinguishes Core Electric in projects like this is our ability to work seamlessly within complex, multi-contractor environments while maintaining strict adherence to aerospace protocols and timelines. Our knowledge of temporary systems is deeply rooted in years of experience across defense and aerospace infrastructure, and this project was no exception. We provided dependable temporary power that allowed other critical upgrades to move forward efficiently and safely—contributing, in our own way, to the continued advancement of America’s space program.