An escape hatch provided for an emergency exit out of the launch control center for the launch crew. This is the view looking up at the underside of one of the launch doors. Note that the hydraulic actuators were removed when the silo was sealed. This is a view looking up from the bottom of the silo with the missile raised to the surface on the launch elevator. Two giant cranes exert close to 200,000 pounds of force pulling up on one of the 75 ton doors.
Diesel oil is poured into the cracks around the door to help dissolve rust.
Jack hammers, metal-cutting saws and cutting torches were used to free the door which finally came open after resorting to extraordinary means. The other door was opened the next day. Ready for launch.