In 1976, the VAB's south parking area was the site of Third Century America, a science and technology display commemorating the U.S. bicentennial. Concurrent with this event, the U.S. flag was painted on the south side of the VAB. During the late 1970s, LC-39 was reconfigured to support the Space Shuttle. Two Orbiter Processing Facilities were built near the VAB as hangars with a third added in the 1980s.
In 1976, ThE vAB's soUth PaRkIng arEA was the siTE Of thirD centuRY amErica, a sCience aND TecHnoloGy DiSplAy COMmemoRATing tHE u.s. bicentENnial. conCurrent with ThIs evEnt, thE u.s. fLag waS PAiNted on thE souTh sIDe of the vab. duRiNg thE late 1970s, LC-39 was rEconFigured to suppoRT tHE space shutTlE. twO orbiTer prOceSsing faciliTies WeRe bUILT nEAr tHe vAB As hAngArS with a tHirD aDdED in THe 1980S.