Vandenberg AFB Space Launch Complex 5

Space Launch Complex 5
A Scout rocket launches Explorer 19 from SLC-5.
Launch site Vandenberg AFB
Location 34°36′29″N 120°37′29″W / 34.6080°N 120.6247°W / 34.6080; -120.6247Coordinates: 34°36′29″N 120°37′29″W / 34.6080°N 120.6247°W / 34.6080; -120.6247
Short name SLC-5
Operator US Air Force
Launch pad(s) One
Min / max
orbital inclination		 51° – 145°
Launch history
Status Inactive
Launches 69
First launch 26 April 1962
Scout X-2 / Solrad 4B
Last launch 9 May 1994
Scout G-1 / MSTI-2

Space Launch Complex 5 (SLC-5) was a launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, United States. It was previously part of the Point Arguello Naval Air Station, during which time it was designated Launch Complex D or LC-D. Constructed in 1961, it was used by 69 Scout rockets between 1962 and 1994. Satellites launched from the complex included Transit, OV3, Explorer and P35 spacecraft. Most of the satellites launched from SLC-5 were placed into low Earth orbits, or low medium Earth orbits.

As of 2009*, the complex is still standing, however the US Air Force is considering demolishing it to salvage parts. If the complex is dismantled, there are plans to produce a Historic American Engineering Record of the site, and to preserve the tower.[1]

SLC-5 launches

DateNicknameOp #PayloadNotes
26 April 1962Blue Scout I V-1129201GRAB
23 May 1962Blue Scout II V-1171201DMSP Block-1Failure - 2nd stage exploded
23 August 1962Blue Scout III V-1262201DMSP Block-1
18 December 1962Blue Scout IV V-1215201Transit
19 February 1963Blue Scout V V-1320240DMSP Block-1
5 April 1963Blue Scout VI0804Transit 5A-2
26 April 1963Blue Scout VII1298DMSP Block-1
15 June 1963Blue Scout VIII1292Transit 5A-3
27 September 1963Blue Scout IX1610DMSP Block-1
19 December 1963Blue Scout X2843Explorer 19/Atmosphere Density Experiment
3 Jun 1964ARROW PLANT4412Transit 5C-1
25 Jun 1964CHERRY PIE4926Environmental Sciences Research SatelliteLaunch failure
25 Aug 1964HURRY BABY3826Explorer 20/Ionosphere Explorer
9 Oct 1964GUS GOOSE6072
21 Nov 1964IMA BIRD6328
*As of 2017/07/19 the complex appears to have been demolished, comparing 2009 to 2017 imagery in google earth.

*= as of 2017/7/19 the complex appear to have been demolished (based on a comparison of imagery from 2009 and 2017).

6 Dec 1965

SQUEEKY HUB0542
21 Dec 1965SOCIAL CIRCLE1509
28 Jan 1966INVENTORY AID1593
25 Mar 1966BEST GIRL1117
22 Apr 1966LABRADOR RETRVR1527
18 May 1966DANCE LESSON0082
4 Aug 1966RUBBER MAT3140
17 Aug 1966MARBLE HALL2366
28 Oct 1966BUSY SERVICE3820
31 Jan 1967BUSY MASON5589
13 Apr 1967BUSY MINUTEMAN0100
5 May 1967BUSY WIFE7102
18 May 1967BUSY OCEAN7218
29 May 1967OLD FAD8086

References

  • Wade, Mark. "Vandenberg SLC5". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Retrieved 2008-09-28.
  1. ↑ "Base considers disassembling historical launch complex". Spaceflight Now. 2009-04-27. Retrieved 2009-04-29.
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