Launch Complex Pads 36A and 36B share a common blockhouse, instrumentation, and launch control equipment. They are moved away from the launch pad before cryogenic tanking, about 120 minutes before launch. A fixed umbilical tower at each pad provides instrumentation lines, fuel, power, and purging gas to Centaur and the spacecraft by means of umbilical booms. The booms pull lines clear at liftoff and swing clear of the ascending vehicle. A single blockhouse controls launches on both Pad 36A and 36B. Connected to both pads by cable tunnels, the blockhouse contains all necessary electrical and communication equipment to conduct a launch from either pad.
Space is available for spacecraft ground support equipment.
Isolated cabling from the blockhouse to the launch pad is for spacecraft ground checkout. Both pads contain a mobile service tower and launch umbilical tower and are served by a common blockhouse where the launch control function is performed. SLC 36A is currently used exclusively for the launch of DoD payloads and is configured to launch the Atlas II version. Commercial Atlas IIA launches will also be accommodated at SLC 36A in the future. This would require GD to invest corporate funds to modify SLC 36A to make it compatible with all commercial Atlas launch vehicle configurations since SLC 36A can only support the Atlas II configuration.