Vandenberg AFB Space Launch Complex 10

infobox Launch Pad
name = Space Launch Complex 10

---

caption = Photograph of a Thor-Agena rocket on the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 10, surrounded by scrub vegetation and various support buildings, the Pacific Ocean in the distant background.
site = Vandenberg AFB
short = SLC-2
location = 34.45'55"N
120.37'20"°W
operator = US Air Force
Royal Air Force
tlaunches = 38
pads = 2
inclination = 51° – 145°
pad1 = SLC-10E
pad2 = SLC-10W
status = Inactive
launches = 6
first = Thor DM-18A 191, 16 June 1959
last = Thor DM-18A 229, 19 March 1962
rockets = Thor
status2 = Inactive
launches2 = 32
first2 = Thor DM-18A 190, 14 August 1959
last2 = DMSP-5D1 F5, 15 July 1980
rockets2 = ThorInfobox_nrhp2 | name =Space Launch Complex 10
nhl=yes
location= Vandenberg Air Force Base, Lompoc, California
lat_degrees = 34
lat_minutes = 45
lat_seconds = 55
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 120
long_minutes = 37
long_seconds = 20
long_direction = W
locmapin = California
area =
architect= United States Air Force
architecture=
added = June 23, 1986
designated_nhl = June 23, 1986cite web|url=http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1966&ResourceType=Structure
title=Space Launch Complex 10 |accessdate=2007-11-18|work=National Historic Landmark summary listing|publisher=National Park Service]
governing_body = United States Air Force
refnum=86003511cite web|url=http://www.nr.nps.gov/|title=National Register Information System|date=2008-04-15|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service]

Space Launch Complex 10, or Missile Launch Complex 10, 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 [https://www.denix.osd.mil/portal/page/portal/denix/environment/CR/NRHPNHL/NHLMap/California DOD NHL details for California] ] . It remains a rare pristine look at the electronics and facilities created in that era which helped the United States grow their space capabilities.

The last launch from this complex was a Thor booster in 1980 [http://www.nr.nps.gov/writeups/86003511.nl.pdf NHL writeup] ]

It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1986.citation|title=PDFlink| [http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NHLS/Text/86003511.pdf National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Space Launch Complex 10 / Missile Launch Complex 10] |540 KB|date=January 3, 1986 |author=Captain Mark C. Mondl |publisher=National Park Service and PDFlink| [http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NHLS/Photos/86003511.pdf "Accompanying 5 photos, exterior and interior, undated."] |601 KB]

It is undergoing an eight year restoration and public visits are possible, if arranged in advance. [ [http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/aviation/spa.htm NPS History of Aviation] ]

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 successsful. (There was also one PGM-17 Thor missile launch by an RAF crew from SLC-10W, which took place 1959-08-14.)

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 Vandenburg 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.

ee also

*Vandenberg AFB Space Launch Complex 2
*Vandenberg AFB Space Launch Complex 6

References

External links

* [http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/aviation/ Aviation: From Sand Dunes to Sonic Booms, a National Park Service "Discover Our Shared Heritage" Travel Itinerary]
* [https://www.denix.osd.mil/portal/page/portal/denix/environment/CR/NRHPNHL/NHLMap/California DOD NHL details for California]