VAFB Complex 576 A

Overview

Also Known As: See launch complex highlights

Systems

  • Atlas D
  • Atlas E
  • Atlas F
  • Atlas Burner 2

Other Programs:

  • Nike Zeus Targets
  • Advanced Ballistic Re-Entry System (ABRES)
    • Simulated Boost Glide Vehicle (SBGRV)
    • Re-entry Vehicle Test Observable (RFTO)
    • Low Observable Re-entry Vehicle (LORV)
    • Reduced Exo-atmospheric Cross Section (REX)
    • Maneuverable Ballistic Re-entry Vehicle (MBRV)
    • Penetration Aids
    • Target Vehicle Experimental (TVX)
    • Re-entry Measurement Program (RMP)
    • Low Angle Re-entry (LAR)
    • Advanced Control Experiment (ACE)
    • Supplementary Flight Testing (SFT)
  • Orbiting Vehicle (OV)
  • Space Experiment Support Program (SESP)
    • P72-1 Payload

Cost: Not available

Complex 576 A Highlights

  • 1959 – Three launch pads built for Atlas D
  • Gantries very similar to Cape Canaveral Launch Complexes 11, 12, 13, 14, except that the Vandenberg gantries were simpler A-frame gantries.
  • Pad 576 A-1
    • Also known as 4300A-1, ABRES A-1, BMRS A01
    • February 1959 – First Atlas D arrived
    • 26 October 1962 – First launch, Atlas D
    • 30 June 1966 – Last launch, Atlas D
    • Total launches – 18 Atlas D
    • 19 May 1967 – First launch, Atlas F
    • 8 September 1976 – Last launch, Atlas F
    • Total launches – 16 Atlas F
    • 18 April 1968 – Sole launch of Atlas E
    • 2 October 1972 – Sole launch of Atlas Burner 2
  • Pad 576 A-2
    • Also known as 4300 A-2, BMRS A-2
    • 9 September 1959 – Sole Atlas D IOC launch
    • 5 August 1965 – First launch, Atlas F
    • 7 August 1971 – Last launch, Atlas F
    • Total launches – 13 Atlas F
  • Pad 576 A-3
    • Also known as 4300 A-3, BMRS A-3
    • 26 January 1960 – First launch, Atlas D
    • 10 June 1965 – Last launch, Atlas D
    • Total launches – 10 Atlas D
    • 13 February 1967 – First launch, Atlas F
    • 13 October 1974 – Last launch, Atlas F
    • Total launches – 21 Atlas F
    • 6 March 1968 – First launch, Atlas E
    • 27 April 1968 – Last launch, Atlas E
    • Total launches – 2 Atlas E
    • Total launches – 22
    • 1989 – American Rocket, Inc. (AMROC) leased BMRS A-3 from the U.S. Air Force. AMROC made some modifications in the lower flooring of the service tower to accommodate its commercial launch vehicle.
    • 5 October 1989 – Single launch by AMROC which failed.
  • All three pads have been decommissioned and stripped of equipment
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