Launch Complex 40

Overview

Systems

Other Programs

  • SKYNET
  • JCSAT
  • INTELSAT
  • DSCS
  • Cassini
  • Milstar
  • SDS
  • Classified military programs
  • Dragon (SpaceX)

Cost: Not available

Launch Complex 40 Highlights

  • 18 June 1965 to 6 March 1982 – Total of 26 Titan IIIC launched
  • October 1965 – Akwa-Downey Construction Co. began building the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) Environmental Shelter
  • 3 October 1966 – Modified Gemini capsule by McDonnell Aircraft Co. delivered to Environmental Shelter to perform a heat shield test for the MOL program
  • 3 November 1966 – Sole Titan IIIC MOL/Gemini mockup launch
  • April 1970 – The Environmental Shelter modified to accept new Titan payload fairing and support Titan IIIC launch operations when flights continued
  • 8 April 1970 to 6 March 1982 – Total of 23 Titan IIIC launched with mainly DOD payloads – VELA, DSP, DSCS and classified DOD payloads
  • Pad modified for the first Titan 34D/IUS (Inertial Upper Stage)
  • 30 October 1982 to 4 September 1989 – Total of 8 Titan 34D IUS launched
  • 1 January 1990 to 25 September 1992 – Four commercial Titan IIIC launched
  • June 1990 to June 1993 – Launch complex almost completely rebuilt for Titan IVA. Project included a new Mobile Service Tower (MST), new umbilical tower (UT) and supporting systems. The MST was 265′ tall and the UT was 170′ tall.
  • Fall 1991 – Ubilical Tower completed
  • April 1992 – Mobile Service Tower completed
  • 7 February 1994 to 22 December 1994 – Total of 5 Titan IVA launched
  • 23 February 1997 to 30 April 2005 – Total of 5 Titan IVB launched
  • Pad then placed in standby status. Could have been used for the NASA Ares program
  • 27 April 2008 – Mobile Service Tower demolished
  • 2008 – Launch complex was modified for the SpaceX Falcon 9 program. Modifications include a large hangar on the pad to work on the Falcon, new launch mount, mobile Transporter/Erector system and support equipment
  • 4 June 2010 – First Falcon 9 launch, a test of the booster
  • 8 December 2010 – Falcon 9 NASA COTS-Demo with Dragon payload, released into space and successfully recovered in the Pacific Ocean after two orbits
  • 22 May 2012 – Falcon 9, NASA COTS 2 Dragon launched followed by berthing with International Space Station (ISS)
  • 2 December 2013 – Upgraded Falcon 9 with first geostationary payload scheduled
  • 2023 – Crew access arm installed
  • February 2024 – SpaceX tested new emergency escape system for crewed missions.
  • Crew-9 launched in September 2024

Related Pages:

More Cape Canaveral Facilities
History Center Storyboard – Launch Complex 40