The launch pad is comprised of a few key elements:

• Hold Down Clamps - These hold the rocket back until the engines reach full thrust

​​

• Vehicle Stabilizer - Grabs the tip of the rocket and keeps it from falling over until it is released for launch. This mechanism also ensures the proper heading is maintained for the flight computer until release

​​

• Strong-back Release Mechanism - Releases the strong-back at the moment of liftoff to get all hardware out of the path of the rocket. This allows the full assembly to swing 15-20 degrees out of the way in an instant

​​

• Core Stage Avionics Umbilical - This small arm reaches out to the rocket and connects it electrically to the pad computer. The start up command is fed through these wires at T-2 seconds to launch and primes the TVC mechanisms in the rocket

​​

• Countdown Clock/Buzzer - displays visually and provides auditory warning for when a countdown is in progress. Countdown begins at T-20 seconds to allow time to get clear of the launch site and can be aborted at any time up to T-Zero. The clock also becomes a stopwatch past T-Zero to use for analysis of liftoff footage

​​

• Flame Deflector - deflects the heat of the rocket exhaust away from the rocket and pad using a steel channel