Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 10 facts for kids
A Thor DSV-2U carrying a DMSP weather satellite launches from SLC-10W in 1980. This was the last orbital launch from the complex.
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| Launch site | Vandenberg AFB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Location | 34°45'55"N 120°37'20"W |
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| Short name | SLC-10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operator | US Air Force Royal Air Force |
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| Total launches | 38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Launch pad(s) | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Orbital inclination range |
51° – 145° | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Space Launch Complex 10
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | Vandenberg Air Force Base, Lompoc, California | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Architect | United States Air Force | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NRHP reference No. | 86003511 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Significant dates | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Added to NRHP | June 23, 1986 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Designated NHL | June 23, 1986 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Space Launch Complex 10 (SLC-10) is a special place at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, California. It was built in 1958 to test powerful rockets called ballistic missiles. Later, in 1963, it became a place for launching rockets into space.
Before 1966, the western part of SLC-10 was known by a different name: Vandenberg AFB Pad 75-2-6. This complex is important because it shows us what the electronics and buildings from that time looked like. These facilities helped the United States become a leader in space exploration.
The last rocket launched from SLC-10 was a Thor booster in 1980. Because of its historical importance, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
Today, SLC-10 is being restored, which means it's being fixed up to look like it used to. You can visit it if you arrange it beforehand.
Contents
History of Space Launch Complex 10
Building the Launch Complex
The Douglas Aircraft Corporation built this launch complex in 1958. It was first called Complex 75-2. At that time, it had three launch pads. These pads were used to train military people to operate PGM-17 Thor ballistic missiles. They also used them to test how well the missiles launched.
The very first launches were done by the British Royal Air Force in June and August 1959. In 1962, the equipment from SLC-10 was taken apart and moved to Johnston Island. This was for a project called Operation Dominic, which involved testing nuclear weapons.
Rebuilding for Space Rockets
The launch complex was rebuilt in 1963. This time, it was designed to help develop Burner rockets. It had two launch pads, named SLC-10E and SLC-10W.
Tests were carried out at SLC-10W from 1965 to 1980. They used Thor satellite launch vehicles. The first parts of these rockets were based on the design of the original Thor missile.
What's Left at SLC-10 Today?
The main parts of the complex that are still there are two launch pads and a special building called a blockhouse. This blockhouse was built in advance and then put together on site.
Inside the blockhouse, you can still see all the electrical equipment that was used for the later rocket launches. SLC-10W also has pipes and storage tanks. These were used to hold and manage the liquid fuel that powered the rockets.
