What is the purpose of a launch pad?

A launch pad is the special place where rockets stand ready before they launch. Its main purpose is to support the rocket and provide everything it needs for takeoff. This includes fuel, electricity, computer connections, and even water to cool things down. The launch pad has big clamps to hold the rocket steady, towers for lightning protection, and equipment to monitor the rocket’s health before liftoff. The launch pad also has trenches to direct the rocket’s powerful exhaust away safely, and access platforms for astronauts and engineers getting the rocket ready.​