Vandenberg AFB Space Launch Complex 5

Space Launch Complex 5

A Scout rocket launches Explorer 19 from SLC-5.
Launch site Vandenberg AFB
Location 34°36′29″N 120°37′29″W / 34.6080°N 120.6247°WCoordinates: 34°36′29″N 120°37′29″W / 34.6080°N 120.6247°W
Short name SLC-5
Operator US Air Force
Launch pad(s) One
Minimum / maximum
orbital inclination
51° – 145°
Launch history
Status Inactive
Launches 69
First launch 26 April 1962
Scout X-2 / Solrad 4B
Last launch 9 May 1994
Scout G-1 / MSTI-2

Space Launch Complex 5 (SLC-5) was a launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, United States. It was previously part of the Point Arguello Naval Air Station, during which time it was designated Launch Complex D or LC-D. Constructed in 1961, it was used by 69 Scout rockets between 1962 and 1994. Satellites launched from the complex included Transit, OV3, Explorer and P35 spacecraft. Most of the satellites launched from SLC-5 were placed into low Earth orbits, or low medium Earth orbits.

As of 2009, the complex is still standing, however the US Air Force is considering demolishing it to salvage parts. If the complex is dismantled, there are plans to produce a Historic American Engineering Record of the site, and to preserve the tower.[1]

SLC-5 launches

DateNicknameOp #PayloadNotes
26 April 1962 Blue Scout I V-112 9201 GRAB
23 May 1962 Blue Scout II V-1171201 DMSP Block-1Failure - 2nd stage exploded
23 August 1962 Blue Scout III V-1262201 DMSP Block-1
18 December 1962 Blue Scout IV V-1215201 Transit
19 February 1963 Blue Scout V V-1320240 DMSP Block-1
5 April 1963 Blue Scout VI 0804 Transit 5A-2
26 April 1963 Blue Scout VII 1298 DMSP Block-1
15 June 1963 Blue Scout VIII 1292 Transit 5A-3
27 September 1963 Blue Scout IX 1610 DMSP Block-1
19 December 1963 Blue Scout X 2843 Explorer 19/Atmosphere Density Experiment
3 Jun 1964 ARROW PLANT 4412 Transit 5C-1
25 Jun 1964 CHERRY PIE 4926 Environmental Sciences Research SatelliteLaunch failure
25 Aug 1964 HURRY BABY 3826 Explorer 20/Ionosphere Explorer
9 Oct 1964 GUS GOOSE 6072
21 Nov 1964 IMA BIRD 6328
6 Dec 1965 SQUEEKY HUB 0542
21 Dec 1965 SOCIAL CIRCLE 1509
28 Jan 1966 INVENTORY AID 1593
25 Mar 1966 BEST GIRL 1117
22 Apr 1966 LABRADOR RETRVR 1527
18 May 1966 DANCE LESSON 0082
4 Aug 1966 RUBBER MAT 3140
17 Aug 1966 MARBLE HALL 2366
28 Oct 1966 BUSY SERVICE 3820
31 Jan 1967 BUSY MASON 5589
13 Apr 1967 BUSY MINUTEMAN 0100
5 May 1967 BUSY WIFE 7102
18 May 1967 BUSY OCEAN 7218
29 May 1967 OLD FAD 8086

References

  1. "Base considers disassembling historical launch complex". Spaceflight Now. 2009-04-27. Retrieved 2009-04-29.