Hangar AE

Hangar AE is a control center at Cape Canaveral containing three launch vehicle data centers and a Mission Director's Center for monitoring space missions. The building features advanced communication systems that process real-time voice, data, and video information during launch operations, with each control room designed to accommodate up to 30 personnel.

The building was constructed in 1959 for Department of Defense missile programs and was acquired by NASA in 1960. It was then modified to support monitoring of unmanned space missions and remains in operation for that purpose today.

This facility acts as a nerve center for tracking unmanned spacecraft and represents how different space programs work together. Visitors can observe how controllers monitor launches in real time and receive data streams from multiple launch sites across the country.

Access to this facility is restricted to authorized personnel only, as it remains an active space operations center. Visitors interested in touring the site should contact Cape Canaveral in advance to inquire about available viewing opportunities and security requirements.

The facility houses a specialized clean room with horizontal laminar flow systems designed to handle sensitive data processing during missions. This technical capability allows the center to receive and process telemetry simultaneously from launch sites scattered throughout the nation.