Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 18

Cape Canaveral AFS Launch Complex 18 (LC- 18) is a disused starting place with two launch pads of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Merritt Iceland, Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA.

History

Originally this number 1956 was built for Vanguard rockets. After two Viking missions was allowed on 23 October 1957, 19:22 UTC launch the rocket for which the complex was built. About two years later, on the 4th of June 1958 took pad B in operation.

In the first half of the operation of this possibility to start one used Pad -A exclusively for Vanguard and the sister ramp for Thor DM- 18th The last launch of a Vanguard of LC -18A took place on September 18, 1959 In the following months only followed Thor DM - 18 starts.; Pad -A was for almost a year out of service. In the second half carried by Pad -A Blue Scout Junior and Pad B Blue Scout 1 and 2 starts.

The complex

The complex consists of two launch pads: 18A and 18B. Both are concrete surfaces on which are the respective start -ups.

Launch Complex 18 -A

The rocket starts on a five -meter high metal structure, through which the smoke is passed during startup. In addition to the tool shed of LC -18A is the launch tower, which is similar to a short transmission tower. Even with these launchers there are mobile service towers. As Pad Service Tower, which was used for the Vanguard rocket can embrace fully the rocket in several levels. On the "roof" of the tower crane is mounted.

Launch Complex 18 -B

The service tower of this launch pad is similar to the pad 17 service towers. Again, you can use a crane that is mounted on the tower of the wide side, move loads such as satellites or upper stages.

Start list

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