Lightning Protection Towers Help Two Rockets Safely Launch within 36 Hours
ULA's ​Atlas 5 Rocket launches within 36 hours of SpaceX's Falcon 9.

Our Space Coast received quite an electrifying show earlier this month with thunderstorms one-after-another. However, the show must go on over at the Launch Complex where two rockets were launched from Pads 40 and 41, just 2 days apart from each other - SpaceX (8/6) and United Launch Alliance (8/8).

​Both launch complexes are equipped with Lightning Protection Towers, built by RUSH Construction, that are designed to defend the rockets and service structures from lightning strikes​​. The towers stand 35-stories high and create an umbrella-like shield with wires allowing lightning to travel away from the rockets and safely into the ground.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 safely waiting during the delay.

Thanks to the Lightning Protection Towers at Complex 40, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 made a successful launch Tuesday evening after experiencing only a short weather delay!
i4 Business Magazine Executive Profile:
"Creating a Legacy"
Al Forbes​
Executive Vice President​
RUSH Construction, Inc.

Before coming to RUSH, Al Forbes ’ experience included manager of facility construction at Wuesthoff Health System in Rockledge and project manager at another local construction company, where he was in charge of overseeing the construction of medical and health facilities.

After a conversation with William Chivers , the president and CEO of RUSH who has led the company for the past 21 years, Forbes decided to make a change and helped spur the evolution of RUSH Construction from a government aerospace/defense contractor into a diversified firm that provides construction services in the medical, commercial and marine industries. As executive vice president, Forbes is involved in all projects, but his specialty and focus is in the medical/commercial divisions.
SpaceCoast Business Executive Profile:
"Tony Landry | RUSH Marine, LLC"
Tony Landry
President
RUSH Marine, LLC​

As a child, Tony Landry shared the same dream as many children: to become a professional athlete or high-powered attorney. His father worked in marine construction, and though Landry had no immediate plans of pursuing that profession, his passion for marine construction developed as he visited his father at work. Once he graduated high school, he knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. Today, he is President of RUSH Marine, LLC , a marine construction company with a diving division, specializing in serving the needs of a diverse client base including NASA, USACE, Canaveral Port Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority, FDOT, Indian River County, Brevard County, City of Cocoa, and St. Johns County.​​
RUSH Welcomes Alvin Lopez,
General Superintendent
Alvin Lopez has worked at RUSH Marine as a general superintendent since February 2019. As a superintendent, Lopez is responsible for overseeing various operations of marine construction, working hands-on with subcontractors, and assuring safety and quality control on the job site.

“I was drawn to RUSH Construction due to the growth opportunities offered and the family oriented culture of the company,” says Lopez. With 25 years in marine construction and bridge building, Alvin brings a wealth of experience to RUSH Marine. “I love being in the field with the guys, teaching them different things and watching them grow to the next level.”

Alvin’s Favorite Quote:  “Measure twice; cut once!”  - Alistair MacLeod