Transport engineering and heavy lifting company Sarens has partnered with NASA and Bechtel to transport, rig and stack the first tower module onto Mobile Launcher 2 (ML2) at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA.
The successful completion of ’Rig and Set Mod 4’ marks the beginning of vertical construction on the launch platform’s tower. Sarens will assist with the installation of six more modules, which will take the structure to more than 200 ft (60.9 m) in height.
When completed, NASA will use ML2 to assemble, transport, service and launch the powerful Space Launch System Block 1B as part of the Artemis IV mission to the Moon.
Among the equipment used was the CC8800 crane configured with a boom booster and superlift carrier, an LR1350 crane, as well as 24 lines of SPMTs and specialised hydraulic systems.
Sarens said that mobilising the CC8800 crane across the USA was a logistical effort involving 150 truckloads, with assembly taking three weeks upon arrival at the site. The project presented numerous challenges, including navigating marine and weather conditions, managing logistics during holiday periods, and ensuring precision in confined spaces. Sarens said it worked closely with Bechtel partners to ensure safe and timely performance.
HLPFI reported earlier this month that Sarens had deployed a Liebherr LR-12500-1.0 crawler crane for a decommissioning project in Norway.
