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Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5

Space Launch Complex 5

AScout rocket launches Explorer 19 from SLC-5.
Launch site	Vandenberg Space Force Base
Location	34°36′29″N 120°37′29″W / 34.6080°N 120.6247°W / 34.6080; -120.6247
Short name	SLC-5
Operator	U.S. Space Force
Launch pad(s)	One
Orbital inclination range	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 padatVandenberg Space Force BaseinCalifornia, United States. It was previously part of the Point Arguello Naval Air Station, during which time it was designated Launch Complex DorLC-D. Constructed in 1961, it was used by 69 Scout launch vehicles between 1962 and 1994. Satellites launched from the complex included Transit, OV3, Explorer and P35 (DMSP) 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 U.S. 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[edit]

• As of 19 July 2017, the complex appears to have been demolished, comparing 2009 to 2017 imagery in Google Earth.

References[edit]

• Wade, Mark. "Vandenberg SLC5". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Archived from the original on 10 September 2003. Retrieved 28 September 2008.