Template:Infobox launch pad Space Launch Complex 10, or Missile Launch Complex 10,[1] 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.[2] Prior to 1966 Space Launch Complex 10 West was known as Vandenberg AFB Pad 75-2-6.[3] 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.[1] It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1986.[4][1]
It is undergoing an eight-year restoration, and public visits are possible, if arranged in advance.[5]
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.[1])
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[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Template:Cite journal and Template:NHLS url PDF (601 KB)
- ↑ DOD NHL details for California
- ↑ Ed Kyle (3 July 2009). "Thor Burner - Sixth in a Series Reviewing Thor Family History". http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/thorh6.html.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namednhlsum - ↑ NPS History of Aviation
External links[]
- 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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