Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5
Space Launch Complex 5 (SLC-5) was a launch pad at Vandenberg Space 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 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.
A Scout rocket launches Explorer 19 from SLC-5. | |||||||||||
| Launch site | Vandenberg Space Force Base | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | 34.6080°N 120.6247°W | ||||||||||
| Short name | SLC-5 | ||||||||||
| Operator | U.S. Space Force | ||||||||||
| Launch pad(s) | One | ||||||||||
| Orbital inclination range | 51° – 145° | ||||||||||
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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.