Suvarna Garge (Editor)

Vandenberg AFB Launch Complex 576A

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Short name
  
576A

Launch pad(s)
  
576A-1 576A-2 576A-3

Launches
  
21 / 13 / 20

Operator
  
United States Air Force

Total launches
  
a

Status
  
Inactive

First launch
  
9 Sep 1959

Launch Complex 576A, also known as Area 576, is a group of rocket launch pads at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The pads at the complex were used from 1959 until 1971 to launch SM-65 Atlas missiles. The site was also known as Complex ABRES. Pads in Area 576A include 576-A-1,2,3

The first operational launch of an Atlas missile by the Strategic Air Command was conducted from 576-A-2 by the 576th Strategic Missile Squadron on September 9, 1959. It impacted 4,480 nautical miles (8,300 km) away, near Wake Island.

The three launch sites are:

  • 576A-1 34°46′36″N 120°36′6″W
  • 576A-2 34°46′26″N 120°35′18″W
  • 576A-3 34°46′39″N 120°35′48″W

    • References

    Vandenberg AFB Launch Complex 576A Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA