SLC-6 ( born Space Launch Complex 6 , literally Space Launch Complex-6 ) is a launch complex located at the territory of the USAF Vandenberg base in the state of California .
| Space launch complex-6 | |
|---|---|
 The first launch of the Delta IV M + (4.2) launch vehicle with the NROL-22 satellite from the SLC-6 launch pad on June 28, 2006 . | |
| Location |  Base vandenberg |
| Coordinates | |
| Designation | SLC-6 |
| Operated by | United launch alliance |
| Total starts | 12 |
| Launchers | one |
| Inclination range | 51 Β° -145 Β° |
| Startup history with SLC-6 | |
| Status | Acting |
| First start | August 15, 1995 , ( Athena-1 / GemStar-1) |
| Last start | January 19, 2019 ( Delta-4 Heavy / NROL-71 ) |
| Missile type | Titan-3 (not started) Space Shuttle (not run) Athena-1 , Athena-2 Delta-4 (current launches) |
Initially, it was supposed to use the SLC-6 complex to launch the Titan-3 launch vehicle under the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program, but in 1969 the program was canceled before the construction of the complex was completed. In the second half of the 80s, the launch complex was reequipped to launch the Space Shuttles into polar orbits, but was also not used for its intended purpose [1] [2] .
In the second half of the 90s, the complex was used for four launches of Athena light launch vehicle [3] .
From 2006 to the current time, the SLC-6 launch complex is used to launch the Delta IV launch vehicle.
On June 28, 2006, the first launch of the Delta IV launch vehicle took place from the launch complex [4] .
On January 20, 2011, the first launch of the Delta IV Heavy launch vehicle was launched [5] .
Current usage
Site Equipment
An MST ( Mobile Service Tower ) over 100 meters high is installed at the site, which provides access for the launch vehicle service and weather protection. A crane is installed at the top of the tower, which allows you to attach the payload and the solid fuel boosters to the Delta IV booster rocket. The turret rolls away from the launch vehicle a few hours before launch.
Next to the launch pad is FUT ( English Fixed Umbilical Tower - Fixed Central Tower ), which has two movable arms. These hands are designed to provide technical support functions. These swinging arms are removed during the start in order to avoid damage to the equipment. At the top of the tower mounted protective mast with lightning conductor .
The Delta IV is fixed on the launch pad by means of the LMU ( English Launch Mate Unit ), which holds the launch vehicle and disconnects at launch. Under the launch pad, there is a fire driver, who removes the rocket exhaust from the rocket and equipment at launch.
The hangar of horizontal assembly HIF ( English Horizontal Integration Facility ), with an area of ββmore than 9000 m 2 and with a height of a seven-story building, is located at some distance from the site. This is a large building in which the connection of the blocks of the first stage of the Delta IV, the second stage, and their testing before they move to the launch pad. The Delta IV rocket launcher horizontal assembly is similar to the Union launcher assembly, which is also horizontally assembled, unlike the Space Shuttle and Saturn V , which were assembled and transported to the launch pad in an upright position.
Moving the Delta IV from the horizontal assembly hangar to the launch pad and installing the launch vehicle on the launch pad is performed using EPT ( Elevating Platform Transporter ). These wheeled vehicles can be both diesel and electric. Diesel transporters are used to move from the HIF to the launch pad, while electric conveyors are used on the launch pad because of the necessary accuracy in the latter case.
Run History
| No | Date ( UTC ) | Rocket- carrier | Payload | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| one | August 15, 1995 | Athena-1 | GemStar 1 | Failure |
| 2 | August 23, 1997 | Athena-1 | Success | |
| 3 | April 27, 1999 | Athena-2 | Failure | |
| four | September 24, 1999 | Athena-2 | Success | |
| five | June 28, 2006 | Delta-4 M + (4.2) | USA-184 ( NROL-22 ) | Success |
| 6 | November 4, 2006 | Delta-4 M | ( USA-192 ) | Success |
| 7 | January 20, 2011 | Delta-4 Heavy | ( NROL-49 ) | Success |
| eight | April 3, 2012 | Delta-4 M + (5.2) | USA-234 ( NROL-25 ) | Success |
| 9 | August 28, 2013 | Delta-4 Heavy | ( NROL-65 ) | Success |
| ten | February 10, 2016 | Delta-4 M + (5.2) | USA-267 ( NROL-45 ) | Success |
| eleven | January 12, 2018 | Delta-4 M + (5.2) | USA-281 ( NROL-47 ) | Success |
| 12 | January 19, 2019 | Delta-4 Heavy | USA-290 ( NROL-71 ) | Success |
Photo Gallery
The launch pad SLC-6 with the Space Shuttle on the launch pad (March 1985).
Space Shuttle on launch pad.
Delta IV Medium + (5.2) on the launch pad before launching the NROL-25.
Launch of Delta IV Heavy with satellite NROL-65.
See also
- Base vandenberg
- Starting complex SLC-3 , Vandenberg base
- Starting complex SLC-4 , Vandenberg base
- Booster Delta-4
- Launch complex SLC-37 , Cape Canaveral
Notes
- β From Shuttles to Rockets: Long History for Calif. Launch Pad (English) . space.com (January 19, 2011).
- Space The Space Shuttle's Military Launch Complex In California That Never Was (eng.) . foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com (6 October 2011).
- β On the trail of βThe Curse of Slick-6β (Eng.) . thespacereview.com (12 August 2013).
- β New era of rocket launches begins at the California base (English) . spaceflightnow.com (27 June 2006).
- β United Launch Alliance Launches First West Coast Delta IV Heavy Mission (Eng.) . ulalaunch.com (20 January 2011).