Vandenberg AFB Space Launch Complex 2


Space Launch Complex 2

Delta II at SLC-2W, with Gravity Probe B
Launch site Vandenberg AFB
Location 34.7545°N
120.6198°W
Short name SLC-2
Operator US Air Force
Total launches TBC
Launch pad(s) 2
Minimum / maximum
orbital inclination
51° – 145°
SLC-2W launch history
Status Active
Launches
First launch 17 September 1959
Last launch 28 October 2011
Associated rockets PGM-17 Thor
Thor-Agena
Delta
Delta II (current)
SLC-2E launch history
Status Inactive
Launches 52
First launch 16 December 1958
Last launch 12 March 1972
Associated rockets PGM-17 Thor
Delta
Thor-Agena
Thorad-Agena

Space Launch Complex 2 (SLC-2) is an active rocket launch site at Vandenberg Air Force Base, in California, USA. It consists of two launch pads. The East pad (SLC-2E), which has been demolished, was used for Delta, Thor-Agena and Thorad launches between 1966 and 1972. The West pad, SLC-2W, has been used for Delta, Thor-Agena, and Delta II launches since 1966, and is still in service with the Delta II.

Space Launch Complex 2 was originally part of Launch Complex 75. When this complex was split up in 1966, the first launch to be made from the newly-redesignated Space Launch Complex 2 was that of a Delta E with ESSA-3 on 2 October 1966 from SLC-2E. The first launch from SLC-2W after redesignation was of a Thor-Agena with OPS 1584 on 29 December 1966.

SLC-2E and SLC-2W are located approximately 2,000 feet (610 m) apart.

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