Vandenberg 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 siteVandenberg Space Force Base
Location34°45′55″N 120°37′20″W / 34.76528°N 120.62222°W / 34.76528; -120.62222
Time zoneUTC−08:00 (PST)
• Summer (DST)
UTC−07:00 (PDT)
Short nameSLC-10
OperatorUnited States Space Force
Total launches38
Launch pad(s)2
Orbital inclination
range		51° – 145°
SLC-10W launch history
StatusInactive
Launches32
First launch14 August 1959
PGM-17 Thor
Last launch15 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
StatusInactive
Launches6
First launch16 June 1959
PGM-17 Thor
Last launch19 March 1962
PGM-17 Thor
Associated
rockets		PGM-17 Thor
Space Launch Complex 10
LocationVandenberg Space Force Base, Lompoc, California
Coordinates34°45′55″N 120°37′20″W / 34.76528°N 120.62222°W / 34.76528; -120.62222
NRHP reference No.86003511[1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHPJune 23, 1986
Designated NHLJune 23, 1986[1]
Launch sites at Vandenberg Space Force Base
7km
4.3miles
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

  Active pads
  Active pads not used for launches
  Inactive leased pads
  Inactive unleased pads
1
SLC-1E
2
SLC-1W
3
SLC-2E
4
SLC-2W
5

6

7
LC-576E
8
SLC-9
9
SLC-3E
10
SLC-3W
11
SLC-4E
12
SLC-4W (LZ-4)
13
SLC-5
14
SLC-6
15
SLC-8
16
SLC-7
17
SLC-11
18
SLC-12
19
SLC-14
20
SLC-15

Space Launch Complex 10 (SLC-10), or Missile Launch Complex 10,[1] is located on Vandenberg Space 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 10W (SLC-10W) 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.[1]

It is undergoing an eight-year restoration, and public visits are possible, if arranged in advance.[4]

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.[1] 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.[5]

Launch History

SLC-10W

1
2
3
4
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980

SLC-10E

1
2
3
1959
1960
1961
1962

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Staff. "NPS Focus: 86003511". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. ^ DOD NHL details for California
  3. ^ Ed Kyle (July 3, 2009). "Thor Burner - Sixth in a Series Reviewing Thor Family History".
  4. ^ NPS History of Aviation
  5. ^ "Space Launch Complex 10". National Park Service. Retrieved February 13, 2018.

Further reading

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