A Scout rocket launches Explorer 19 from SLC-5.
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Launch site | Vandenberg AFB | ||||||||||
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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 | ||||||||||
Min / max orbital inclination |
51° – 145° | ||||||||||
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Launch history | |
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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.