Why does Cape Canaveral have 40 different launching pads?

Answer 1

Kennedy Space Center is the premier launch facility for all space missions and satellites that are in an east-west orbit. That being said, there are many different designs of rockets/boosters used to achieve orbit, not just the space shuttle. You may read often that a rocket was launched carrying a satellite. The design of that rocket would prohibit the use of the 39A/B launch complex. Therefore, there are other launch pad facilities that are used for them. Additionally, several launch pad facilities have been closed down. Some were closed due to non-use, while others have been closed in honor of those who gave their lives, such as the Apollo I crew who died on the pad.

Answer 2

The primary reason is the different rockets that have been launced. Each type rocket needed a service tower of different heights. Look at Cape Canaveral from Google Earth and you can see the layout of the pads. The frequency we launched them also meant we had to have several pads so the next rocket could be made ready. LC39 (launch complex 39) a and b have been used for apollo and shuttle launches.
Take a tour of the rocket garden at KSC and you will see and understand more.
Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is north of Cape Canaveral. KSC is the manned space flight center, Cape Canaveral is the unmanned flight center.

Answer 3

For different kinds of rockets. The pad is more than just a place to set the rocket. It has all kinds of support equipment that differs from rocket to rocket.