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 site	Vandenberg AFB
Location	34°45'55"N 120°37'20"W
Short name	SLC-10
Operator	US Space Force Royal Air Force
Total launches	38
Launch pad(s)	2
Orbital inclination range	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
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
34°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 NRHP	June 23, 1986
Designated NHL	June 23, 1986[1]

Space Launch Complex 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 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.^[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]

References

Further reading

• Page II, Joseph T. (2014). Images of America: Vandenberg Air Force Base. Arcadia Publishing. OCLC 905345173.
• Page II, Joseph T. (2016). Space Launch Complex Ten: Vandenberg's Cold War Historic Landmark. History Press. OCLC 952155149.
• United States Air Force. (1998) Space Launch Complex 10: A National Historic Landmark. Brochure.

External links

• Aviation: From Sand Dunes to Sonic Booms, a National Park Service Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary
• DOD NHL details for California
• Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) documentation, filed under North End of Aero Road, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA:
  • HAER No. CA-296, "Vandenburg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 10", 115 data pages
  • HAER No. CA-296-A, "Vandenburg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 10, Blockhouse", 27 photos, 5 photo caption pages
  • HAER No. CA-296-B, "Vandenburg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 10, Metal Building", 2 photos, 2 photo caption pages
  • HAER No. CA-296-C, "Vandenburg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 10, Office and Administration Building", 7 photos, 3 photo caption pages
  • HAER No. CA-296-D, "Vandenburg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 10, Technical Support Building", 9 photos, 3 photo caption pages
  • HAER No. CA-296-E, "Vandenburg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 10, Hydrogen Peroxide Facility", 1 photo, 2 photo caption pages
  • HAER No. CA-296-F, "Vandenburg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 10, East Launch Pad", 26 photos, 4 photo caption pages
  • HAER No. CA-296-G, "Vandenburg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 10, Maintenance Support Building", 5 photos, 2 photo caption pages
  • HAER No. CA-296-H, "Vandenburg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 10, West Launch Pad", 61 photos, 7 photo caption pages
  • HAER No. CA-296-I, "Vandenburg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 10, Construction Storage Building", 3 photos, 2 photo caption pages
  • HAER No. CA-296-J, "Vandenburg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 10, Power Substation", 1 photo, 2 photo caption pages
  • HAER No. CA-296-K, "Vandenburg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 10, LE-8", 9 photos, 3 photo caption pages