Vandenberg AFB 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 Air Force Royal Air Force
Total launches	38
Launch pad(s)	2
Min / max 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
Space Launch Complex 10
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
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
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 that helped the United States grow its 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]

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.^[3])

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. National Park Service (2008-04-15). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
2. "Space Launch Complex 10". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Retrieved 2007-11-18.
3. Captain Mark C. Mondl (January 3, 1986). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Space Launch Complex 10 / Missile Launch Complex 10" (pdf). National Park Service. and Accompanying 5 photos, exterior and interior, undated. (601 KB)
4. DOD NHL details for California
5. Ed Kyle (3 July 2009). "Thor Burner - Sixth in a Series Reviewing Thor Family History".
6. 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