Another surprise came when we were taken to the X-33 launch site, which is a few miles away from the Air Force Research Laboratory.  This launch site had been dedicated by NASA administrator Dan Goldin just two weeks prior to our visit.  We were very fortunate to be given a tour of this site because it is not open to the public.  So with that our tour ended with what it started: the X-33.

Here is the moveable hanger at its closest to the launch platform.  The metal structure in the center of the picture is what rotates the X-33 from the horizontal processing postiion to the vertical launching position.  During a launch, the hanger rolls on railway tracks away from the launch vehicle.
 

Here is another view of the translating launch platform and the flame trench.  The red pipes are for heat and sound suppressing water, which is stored in a nearby water tower.