Vandenberg AFB Probe Launch Complex C

Probe Launch Complex C
Launch site Point Arguello
Vandenberg
Short name PLC-C
Operator US Air Force
Total launches Six
Launch pad(s) One
Launch history
Status Inactive
First launch 29 June 1971
Last launch 12 December 1975
Associated rockets Aerobee-170
Tomahawk

Probe Launch Complex C or PLC-C at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, United States, is a launch complex which was used for six sounding rocket launches between 1971 and 1975. It was originally built as Launch Complex C or LC-C at the Point Arguello Naval Air Station, however no launches were made from the site whilst it was part of Point Arguello. Following the merger of Point Arguello into Vandenberg AFB in 1964, it was briefly designated PALC-C, and subsequently Probe Launch Complex C.


Launch history

Six launches occurred from Probe Launch Complex C. The first four launches used Aerobee-170 rockets, whilst the last two used Tomahawks. Five of the launches reached space, with the exception of the third Aerobee, which failed early in its flight. The Aerobee launches conducted tests of infrared sensors for anti-ballistic missile systems, whilst the Tomahawks were used for aeronomy research.

Date/Time (GMT) Rocket Mission Outcome Apogee Remarks
29 June 1971, 13:10 Aerobee-170 Chaser-1 Successful 161 kilometres (100 mi)
24 November 1971, 06:15 Aerobee-170 Chaser-2 Successful 145 kilometres (90 mi)
20 June 1972, 16:45 Aerobee-170 Chaser-3 Failure 8 kilometres (5.0 mi)
11 October 1972, 11:31 Aerobee-170 Chaser-4 Successful 151 kilometres (94 mi)
15 August 1975, 05:21 Tomahawk Escape I Successful 272 kilometres (169 mi)
12 December 1975, 05:09 Tomahawk Escape II Successful 164 kilometres (102 mi)

References