Space Launch Complex 10, or Missile Launch Complex 10, is located on Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, California. It was built in 1958 to test ballistic missiles and developed into a space launching facility in 1963[3]. Prior to 1966 Space Launch Complex 10 West was known as Vandenberg AFB Pad 75-2-6.[4] It remains a rare pristine look at the electronics and facilities created in that era which helped the United States grow their space capabilities.
.jpg) A Thor MG-18 carrying a DMSP weather satellite launches from SLC-10W in 1965. This was the first orbital launch from the complex. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Launch site | Vandenberg AFB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Standort | 34.45'55"N 120.37'20"°W | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short name | SLC-2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operator | US Air Force Royal Air Force | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total launches | 38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Launch pad(s) | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Orbital inclination range | 51° – 145° | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Space Launch Complex 10 | |
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| Standort | Vandenberg Air Force Base, Lompoc, California |
|---|---|
| Architect | United States Air Force |
| NRHP reference No. | 86003511[1] |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | June 23, 1986 |
| Designated NHL | June 23, 1986[2] |
The last launch from this complex was a Thor booster in 1980[5]
It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1986.[2][6]
It is undergoing an eight year restoration and public visits are possible, if arranged in advance.[7]
Uses
RAF
SLC-10 was used to train military operators of PGM-17 Thor ballistic missiles, and to conduct missile launch tests. Seven launch attempts were conducted from SLC-10E by British Armed Forces Royal Air Force crews, of which six were successful. (There was also one PGM-17 Thor missile launch by an RAF crew from SLC-10W, which took place 1959-08-14.[5])
Johnston Island
The facilities at SLC-10 were dismantled and transported to Johnston Island in support of Operation Dominic, a nuclear weapons testing project conducted there in 1962.
DMSP
The equipment was returned to Vandenberg to support early launches of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, which were conducted at SLC-10W from 1965 to 1980, using the Thor satellite launch vehicles, the first stages of which followed the design of the Thor missile.
References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
- ^ a b "Space Launch Complex 10". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Retrieved 2007-11-18.
- ^ DOD NHL details for California
- ^ Ed Kyle (7/3/2009). "Thor Burner - Sixth in a Series Reviewing Thor Family History".
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b NHL writeupTemplate:NRIS dead link
- ^ Captain Mark C. Mondl (January 3, 1986). "Template:PDFlink" (Document). National Park Service. and Template:PDFlink
- ^ NPS History of Aviation