Supply tower

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Athena- 2 missile supply tower

A supply tower is a structure on the launch pad of a rocket , through which it is refueled and supplied with electricity until it is launched. It is differentiated from the launch tower . In the case of manned rockets, the supply tower also enables astronauts to access the spacecraft via a built-in elevator and a fold-away walkway. In addition, the supply tower also provides access for the purpose of maintaining the missile. Shortly before the rocket launches, all cable connections are loosened and all catwalks and pipe bridges leading to the rocket are swiveled away. In contrast to a launch tower, a supply tower does not serve to guide the missile in the launch phase.