Site B - 576 BAKER

USA / California / Vandenberg Air Force Base /
 historic site, ICBM launch facility
576th SMS, Vandenberg AFB
Site B - 576 BAKER

These were Atlas D launch facilities.
The SM-65D Atlas, or Atlas D, was the first operational version of the Atlas missile. It first flew on 14 April 1959. Atlas D missiles were also used for orbital launches, both with upper stages, such as the RM-81 Agena, and on their own as a stage and a half vehicle. The Atlas D was used for the orbital element of Project Mercury, launching four manned Mercury spacecraft into low Earth orbit. The modified version of the Atlas D used for Project Mercury was designated Atlas LV-3B.

Atlas D launches were conducted from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, at Launch Complexes 11, 12, 13 and 14, and Vandenberg Air Force Base at Launch Complex 576.

Most Atlas D launches were sub-orbital missile tests, however several were used for other missions, including orbital launches of manned Mercury, and unmanned OV1 spacecraft. Two were also used as sounding rockets, as part of Project FIRE.
A number were also used with upper stages to launch satellites.
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Coordinates:   34°47'27"N   120°35'36"W

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  • Photo: 1967 NOTE: 576A GANTRY ON FAR UPPER LEFT & 395B TITAN II SITE IN UPPER CENTER
This article was last modified 13 years ago