Vandenberg AFB Space Launch Complex 10

Space Launch Complex 10
A Thor DSV-2U carrying a DMSP weather satellite launches from SLC-10W in 1980. This was the last orbital launch from the complex.
Launch site Vandenberg AFB
Location 34°45'55"N
120°37'20"W
Short name SLC-10
Operator US Air Force
Royal Air Force
Total launches 38
Launch pad(s) 2
Min / max
orbital inclination		 51° – 145°
SLC-10W launch history
Status Inactive
Launches 32
First launch 14 August 1959
PGM-17 Thor
Last launch 15 July 1980
Thor DSV-2U / DMSP-5D1 F-5
Associated
rockets		 PGM-17 Thor
Thor MG-18
Thor-Burner
Thor DSV-2U
SLC-10E launch history
Status Inactive
Launches 6
First launch 16 June 1959
PGM-17 Thor
Last launch 19 March 1962
PGM-17 Thor
Associated
rockets		 PGM-17 Thor
Space Launch Complex 10
Location Vandenberg Air Force Base, Lompoc, California
Coordinates 34°45′55″N 120°37′20″W / 34.76528°N 120.62222°W / 34.76528; -120.62222Coordinates: 34°45′55″N 120°37′20″W / 34.76528°N 120.62222°W / 34.76528; -120.62222
Architect United States Air Force
NRHP reference # 86003511[1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHP June 23, 1986
Designated NHL June 23, 1986[2]

Space Launch Complex 10, or Missile Launch Complex 10,[3] 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.[4] Prior to 1966 Space Launch Complex 10 West was known as Vandenberg AFB Pad 75-2-6.[5] It remains a rare pristine look at the electronics and facilities created in that era that helped the United States grow its space capabilities.

The last launch from this complex was a Thor booster in 1980.[3] It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1986.[2][3]

It is undergoing an eight-year restoration, and public visits are possible, if arranged in advance.[6]

History

The launch complex was built in 1958 by the Douglas Aircraft Corporation, and was first designated Complex 75-2. At that time it consisted of three launch pads, which were used to train military operators of PGM-17 Thor ballistic missiles, and to conduct missile launch tests. The first launches were conducted by the British Royal Air Force in June and August 1959.[3] 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.

The launch complex was rebuilt in 1963 to support the development of Burner rockets, with two launch pads, designated SLC-10E and SLC-10W. Tests 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.

Surviving elements

Two launch pads and a prefabricated launch blockhouse are the principal surviving elements of the complex. The blockhouse interior still includes all of the electrical equipment used in later launches. SLC-10W also includes pipes and storage facilities for storing and managing the liquid fuel used in the rockets.[7]

References

  1. ↑ National Park Service (2008-04-15). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. 1 2 "Space Launch Complex 10". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Archived from the original on 2007-11-14. Retrieved 2007-11-18.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Captain Mark C. Mondl (January 3, 1986). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Space Launch Complex 10 / Missile Launch Complex 10" (pdf). National Park Service. and Accompanying 5 photos, exterior and interior, undated. (601 KB)
  4. ↑ DOD NHL details for California
  5. ↑ Ed Kyle (3 July 2009). "Thor Burner - Sixth in a Series Reviewing Thor Family History".
  6. ↑ NPS History of Aviation
  7. ↑ "Space Launch Complex 10". National Park Service. Retrieved 2018-02-13.

Further reading

  • Page, Joseph T. (2014). Images of America: Vandenberg Air Force Base. Arcadia Publishing. OCLC 905345173.
  • Page, Joseph T. (2016). Space Launch Complex Ten: Vandenberg's Cold War Historic Landmark. History Press. OCLC 952155149.
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