Site A - 576 ALPHA

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

This was an Atlas D launch facility.
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.
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_E#SM-65D_Atlas
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   34°46'42"N   120°35'53"W

Comments

  • Photo: ATLAS 4D SHOWN AT 576A OCTOBER 2, 1962....LAUNCHED AT 576B-2
This article was last modified 12 years ago