The mobile launcher (ML) at nasakennedy is officially on the move! The move begins the next big program phase for verification and validation of all systems when it is connected to the pad and VAB systems," says Cliff Lanham, lead project manager for the ML. The mobile launcher will be used to assemble, process and launch the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft. The nearly 380-foot-tall structure is equipped with the crew access arm and several umbilicals that will provide power, environmental control, pneumatics, communication and electrical connections to the rocket and spacecraft during processing and launch. Several other umbilicals will provide fuel and stability to the rocket on the surface of the mobile launcher's deck. To prepare the 11-million-pound mobile launcher for its move, the access platforms were secured, the umbilical arms on the tower were placed in latchback positions, and access scaffolding and platforms from the ground were removed. During move operations, crawler ...