Vandenberg AFB 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. |
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| Launch site | Vandenberg AFB |
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| 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 |
| Minimum / maximum 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 |
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Space Launch Complex 10
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| Location: | Vandenberg Air Force Base, Lompoc, California |
| Coordinates: | 34°45′55″N 120°37′20″W / 34.76528°N 120.62222°WCoordinates: 34°45′55″N 120°37′20″W / 34.76528°N 120.62222°W |
| Architect: | United States Air Force |
| Governing body: | 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 which helped the United States grow their 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]
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Uses [edit]
RAF [edit]
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.<ref name= nrhpinv2/)
Johnston Island [edit]
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 [edit]
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 [edit]
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2008-04-15.
- ^ a b "Space Launch Complex 10". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Retrieved 2007-11-18.
- ^ a b c Captain Mark C. Mondl (January 3, 1986). National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Space Launch Complex 10 / Missile Launch Complex 10 PDF (540 KB). National Park Service and Accompanying 5 photos, exterior and interior, undated. PDF (601 KB)
- ^ DOD NHL details for California
- ^ Ed Kyle (7/3/2009). "Thor Burner - Sixth in a Series Reviewing Thor Family History".
- ^ NPS History of Aviation
External links [edit]
- Aviation: From Sand Dunes to Sonic Booms, a National Park Service Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary
- DOD NHL details for California
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