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 Space Force Base
Location	34°45′55″N 120°37′20″W / 34.76528°N 120.62222°W
Time zone	UTC−08:00 (PST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−07:00 (PDT)
Short name	SLC-10
Operator	United States Space Force
Total launches	38
Launch pad(s)	2
Orbital inclination ; range	51° – 145°
Status
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
Location	Vandenberg Space Force Base, Lompoc, California
Coordinates	34°45′55″N 120°37′20″W / 34.76528°N 120.62222°W
NRHP reference No.	86003511
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	June 23, 1986
Designated NHL	June 23, 1986

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

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

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

[nrhpinv2-1] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Staff. "NPS Focus: 86003511". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.

[dod-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

[slc10-5] "Space Launch Complex 10". National Park Service. Retrieved February 13, 2018.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

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