Author Topic: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?  (Read 48712 times)

Offline AS_501

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 585
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Liked: 420
  • Likes Given: 348
Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« on: 05/23/2021 10:56 pm »
Any info yet on what will happen to pads 37B and SLC-6 after Delta IVH is retired?  Modify for Vulcan?  Mothballed?  Demolished?  Sold to any interested company (Space-X, Blue Origin)?
Thx
Launches attended:  Apollo 11, ASTP (@KSC, not Baikonur!), STS-41G, STS-125, EFT-1, Starlink G4-24, Artemis 1
Notable Spacecraft Observed:  Echo 1, Skylab/S-II, Salyuts 6&7, Mir Core/Complete, HST, ISS Zarya/Present, Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, Dragon Demo-2, Starlink G4-14 (8 hrs. post-launch), Tiangong

Offline StarshipSLS

  • Member
  • Posts: 65
  • Image: NASA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
  • PA
  • Liked: 16
  • Likes Given: 8
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #1 on: 05/23/2021 11:08 pm »
I could see SpaceX buying them.
I love space very much. I like best NASA and SpaceX programs.

Offline russianhalo117

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8950
  • Liked: 4893
  • Likes Given: 768
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #2 on: 05/24/2021 03:26 am »
I could see SpaceX buying them.
Buying is not an option as they are owned by the government and Space Florida manages the marketing and leasing process for the government at CCSFS and PSC-C does the same for VSFB. USSF oversees the vetting process and other functions.

Offline tyrred

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 939
  • Seattle
  • Liked: 764
  • Likes Given: 22018
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #3 on: 05/24/2021 04:03 am »
 Why wouldn't ULA just retain them and modify for Vulcan?

Offline Alvian@IDN

Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #4 on: 05/24/2021 04:18 am »
I could see SpaceX buying them.
Buying is not an option as they are owned by the government and Space Florida manages the marketing and leasing process for the government at CCSFS and PSC-C does the same for VSFB. USSF oversees the vetting process and other functions.
Leasing/changing the lessee is the more suitable word
« Last Edit: 05/24/2021 06:44 am by Alvian@IDN »
My parents was just being born when the Apollo program is over. Why we are still stuck in this stagnation, let's go forward again

Offline Alvian@IDN

Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #5 on: 05/24/2021 04:19 am »
Why wouldn't ULA just retain them and modify for Vulcan?
I feel that would happen when/if Vulcan cadence is high enough for that to be needed
« Last Edit: 05/24/2021 06:41 am by Alvian@IDN »
My parents was just being born when the Apollo program is over. Why we are still stuck in this stagnation, let's go forward again

Offline jbenton

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 413
  • Liked: 153
  • Likes Given: 729
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #6 on: 05/24/2021 05:36 am »
Why wouldn't ULA just retain them and modify for Vulcan?

I thought ULA was trying to downsize to only 2 pads - one on the East, one on the West. I don't know off the top of my head which pads, but that is what I've been hearing over the past several years.
« Last Edit: 11/28/2022 11:57 pm by jbenton »

Offline Jim

  • Night Gator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 38188
  • Cape Canaveral Spaceport
  • Liked: 22664
  • Likes Given: 432
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #7 on: 05/24/2021 11:46 am »
Any info yet on what will happen to pads 37B and SLC-6 after Delta IVH is retired?  Modify for Vulcan?  Mothballed?  Demolished?  Sold to any interested company (Space-X, Blue Origin)?
Thx

Turn them over to the range

Offline Jim

  • Night Gator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 38188
  • Cape Canaveral Spaceport
  • Liked: 22664
  • Likes Given: 432
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #8 on: 05/24/2021 11:48 am »
Why wouldn't ULA just retain them and modify for Vulcan?

Not needed and doesn't work with Vulcan hardware.  No capability to lift the core at the pad.

Offline Lars-J

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6817
  • California
  • Liked: 8522
  • Likes Given: 5415
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #9 on: 05/24/2021 03:56 pm »
Why wouldn't ULA just retain them and modify for Vulcan?

I thought ULA was trying to downsize to only 2 pads - on on the East, one on the West. I don't know off the top of my head which pads, but that is what I've been hearing over the past several years.

ULA has made it clear that it is their Atlas pads that will be modified for Vulcan. The east coast pad will support both for the transition, while I believe the plan is to made a hard switch at the west coast pad when Vulcan has enough flights.

Offline soltasto

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 640
  • Italy, Earth
  • Liked: 1130
  • Likes Given: 40
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #10 on: 08/13/2021 07:36 pm »
Just noticing this thread.
SLC-37 might be ideal for Starship as it could support two pads (A and B) just like the Boca Chica complex has plans for. Kinda like it was originally envisioned. If the two mounts were to go where the two pads were originally, they could also start to build before the last Delta IV flies out.

SLC-6 on the other hand has a lot of massive facilities, probably more than SpaceX needs for Starship, and the would have to do a lot of demolitions before they can construct. On the other hand, I don't think Vandenberg has many flat areas available for use for new large launch systems, so if SpaceX decides to also launch starship from Vandenberg, that might be the only pad they can pick.

Offline Daniels30

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 141
  • Liked: 302
  • Likes Given: 177
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #11 on: 09/07/2021 08:16 pm »
I've had this crazy thought that Relativity would request a lease on SLC-6 for Terran R. It does seem to fit nicely into the DoD requirements for category A,B and C payloads from Vandenberg. I'm sure developing an expendable upper stage would be easier for them with Terran R, if the extra performance or larger fairing was required. This also makes vertical integration easier.
“There are a thousand things that can happen when you go to light a rocket engine, and only one of them is good.” -
Tom Mueller, SpaceX Co founder and Propulsion CTO.

Offline Vahe231991

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1687
  • 11 Canyon Terrace
  • Liked: 465
  • Likes Given: 199
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #12 on: 09/16/2021 02:26 am »
Why wouldn't ULA just retain them and modify for Vulcan?

I thought ULA was trying to downsize to only 2 pads - on on the East, one on the West. I don't know off the top of my head which pads, but that is what I've been hearing over the past several years.
The Space Shuttle and Titan IIIC were to have used Space Launch Complex 6, but were never launched from that site, so it wasn't until the 1990s that it was used for the Athena rocket, before transitioning to the Delta IV and Delta IV Heavy. Since ULA pledged in 2015 that it would downsize to one launch base at Vandenberg Space Force Base, when the final Delta IV Heavy from Vandenberg is carried out, then Vandenberg SFB could be modified to accommodate either the Falcon Heavy or Starship.

It's possible that Cape Canaveral SLC-37B could be used for either the Falcon or Starship, because SLC-40 was formerly operated by the US Air Force for launches of the Titan rocket until the Titan's retirement in 2005, and has been used since 2010 for launches of the Falcon rocket.

That said, SLC-37B and SLC-6 are going back to being used to launch SLVs not based on Cold War ballistic missiles when the Delta IV Heavy is retired, as they did in the 1960s and 1990s respectively.

Offline Jim

  • Night Gator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 38188
  • Cape Canaveral Spaceport
  • Liked: 22664
  • Likes Given: 432
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #13 on: 09/16/2021 01:57 pm »
uttle and Titan IIIC were to have used Space Launch Complex 6, but were never launched from that site, so it wasn't until the 1990s that it was used for the Athena rocket, before transitioning to the Delta IV and Delta IV Heavy. Since ULA pledged in 2015 that it would downsize to one launch base at Vandenberg Space Force Base, when the final Delta IV Heavy from Vandenberg is carried out, then Vandenberg SFB could be modified to accommodate either the Falcon Heavy or Starship.

It's possible that Cape Canaveral SLC-37B could be used for either the Falcon or Starship, because SLC-40 was formerly operated by the US Air Force for launches of the Titan rocket until the Titan's retirement in 2005, and has been used since 2010 for launches of the Falcon rocket.


no and no

Offline LaunchedIn68

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 194
  • Deer Park, NY
  • Liked: 158
  • Likes Given: 495
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #14 on: 09/16/2021 05:55 pm »
uttle and Titan IIIC were to have used Space Launch Complex 6, but were never launched from that site, so it wasn't until the 1990s that it was used for the Athena rocket, before transitioning to the Delta IV and Delta IV Heavy. Since ULA pledged in 2015 that it would downsize to one launch base at Vandenberg Space Force Base, when the final Delta IV Heavy from Vandenberg is carried out, then Vandenberg SFB could be modified to accommodate either the Falcon Heavy or Starship.

It's possible that Cape Canaveral SLC-37B could be used for either the Falcon or Starship, because SLC-40 was formerly operated by the US Air Force for launches of the Titan rocket until the Titan's retirement in 2005, and has been used since 2010 for launches of the Falcon rocket.


no and no

So....what then?

Abandon in Place?
Demolish so just the pavement remains?
Put up the FOR LEASE sign?
"I want to build a spaceship, go to the moon, salvage all the junk that's up there, bring it back, sell it." - Harry Broderick

Offline electricdawn

  • Full Member
  • **
  • Posts: 281
  • Liked: 614
  • Likes Given: 1478
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #15 on: 09/16/2021 06:02 pm »
no and no

Yeah, that's what I meant. No? You meant something else entirely? Oh, yeah I get it now. Wait, maybe not...



Well. As stated before, I (and I'm probably not the only one) would like you to... well... expand a bit based on your vast knowledge (no sarcasm, no irony). It would help us not in the know immensely.

I appreciate your effort.

Offline Jim

  • Night Gator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 38188
  • Cape Canaveral Spaceport
  • Liked: 22664
  • Likes Given: 432
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #16 on: 09/16/2021 06:03 pm »
uttle and Titan IIIC were to have used Space Launch Complex 6, but were never launched from that site, so it wasn't until the 1990s that it was used for the Athena rocket, before transitioning to the Delta IV and Delta IV Heavy. Since ULA pledged in 2015 that it would downsize to one launch base at Vandenberg Space Force Base, when the final Delta IV Heavy from Vandenberg is carried out, then Vandenberg SFB could be modified to accommodate either the Falcon Heavy or Starship.

It's possible that Cape Canaveral SLC-37B could be used for either the Falcon or Starship, because SLC-40 was formerly operated by the US Air Force for launches of the Titan rocket until the Titan's retirement in 2005, and has been used since 2010 for launches of the Falcon rocket.


no and no

So....what then?

Abandon in Place?
Demolish so just the pavement remains?
Put up the FOR LEASE sign?

yes.  Reverts to the Space Force
possibly.  Up to the Space Force
yes. Up to the Space Force
« Last Edit: 09/16/2021 06:04 pm by Jim »

Offline electricdawn

  • Full Member
  • **
  • Posts: 281
  • Liked: 614
  • Likes Given: 1478
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #17 on: 09/16/2021 06:04 pm »
So it could go to SpaceX, which you said "no" to.  :-\

Edit: Ah, that's at least a bit more info. So it's up to Space Force. Thank you.
« Last Edit: 09/16/2021 06:05 pm by electricdawn »

Offline Jim

  • Night Gator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 38188
  • Cape Canaveral Spaceport
  • Liked: 22664
  • Likes Given: 432
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #18 on: 09/16/2021 06:05 pm »
no and no

Yeah, that's what I meant. No? You meant something else entirely? Oh, yeah I get it now. Wait, maybe not...



Well. As stated before, I (and I'm probably not the only one) would like you to... well... expand a bit based on your vast knowledge (no sarcasm, no irony). It would help us not in the know immensely.

I appreciate your effort.

No to Falcon or Starship

Offline electricdawn

  • Full Member
  • **
  • Posts: 281
  • Liked: 614
  • Likes Given: 1478
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #19 on: 09/16/2021 06:06 pm »
Why not? It's up to Space Force you said. Thanks for elaborating.
« Last Edit: 09/16/2021 06:08 pm by electricdawn »

Offline abaddon

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3328
  • Liked: 4482
  • Likes Given: 6058
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #20 on: 09/16/2021 06:10 pm »
Falcon already has a launchpad at Vandenberg.  While it was billed as being built for Heavy, that was quite some time ago and it would have to be upgraded, but that would be far cheaper than a new site just for Heavy.  There is no need for it.
« Last Edit: 09/16/2021 06:11 pm by abaddon »

Offline Jim

  • Night Gator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 38188
  • Cape Canaveral Spaceport
  • Liked: 22664
  • Likes Given: 432
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #21 on: 09/16/2021 07:35 pm »
Why not? It's up to Space Force you said. Thanks for elaborating.

But SpaceX isn't going to want it.

No need for Falcon.  And too expensive for Starship.  Anyways, Starship can go polar from KSC.
« Last Edit: 09/16/2021 07:37 pm by Jim »

Offline Vahe231991

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1687
  • 11 Canyon Terrace
  • Liked: 465
  • Likes Given: 199
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #22 on: 05/02/2022 09:34 pm »
Given that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)? Since ULA has already planned to use just one facility at Vandenberg SFB, I would imagine that the USSF will begin demolishing the SLC-6 launch site a few months after the NROL-91 is launched.

Offline ZachS09

  • Space Savant
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8580
  • Roanoke, TX
  • Liked: 2481
  • Likes Given: 2146
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #23 on: 05/02/2022 10:19 pm »
Given that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)? Since ULA has already planned to use just one facility at Vandenberg SFB, I would imagine that the USSF will begin demolishing the SLC-6 launch site a few months after the NROL-91 is launched.

I thought SLC-3E would be modified for West Coast Vulcan missions.
Liftoff for St. Jude's! Go Dragon, Go Falcon, Godspeed Inspiration4!

Offline lrk

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 916
  • Minnesota
  • Liked: 792
  • Likes Given: 1174
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #24 on: 05/02/2022 10:19 pm »
I doubt they will bother demolishing it.  Depending on who uses it in the future, some structures could possibly be reused.  The current launch umbilical tower, mobile service structure, mobile service shelter and pad base/flame trenches all date from when SLC-6 was built to launch the shuttle.  And the fact that the LUT can be fully enclosed means that structural decay due to environmental factors will be less of an issue. 

Offline Vahe231991

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1687
  • 11 Canyon Terrace
  • Liked: 465
  • Likes Given: 199
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #25 on: 05/02/2022 10:32 pm »
Given that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)? Since ULA has already planned to use just one facility at Vandenberg SFB, I would imagine that the USSF will begin demolishing the SLC-6 launch site a few months after the NROL-91 is launched.

I thought SLC-3E would be modified for West Coast Vulcan missions.
The US Space Force plans to modify launch pad SLC-3E for the Vulcan rocket, but no planned Vulcan missions have yet been assigned for operation from SLC-3E. But you're right, ULA said long ago that launch operations from Vandenberg Space Force base would be restricted to just the SLC-3E facility, meaning that SLC-6 will be decommissioned and dismantled once NROL-91 is launched.

Offline russianhalo117

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8950
  • Liked: 4893
  • Likes Given: 768
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #26 on: 05/02/2022 10:50 pm »
Given that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)? Since ULA has already planned to use just one facility at Vandenberg SFB, I would imagine that the USSF will begin demolishing the SLC-6 launch site a few months after the NROL-91 is launched.
SLC-6 will remain operational until the last flight of DIVH to support a potential but unlikely flight reassignment. After the last flight ever of a DIVH both both launch complexes will execute their respective inactivation, decommissioning and mothballing plans which were developed jointly by ULA and USSF.

Offline Newton_V

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 880
  • United States
  • Liked: 891
  • Likes Given: 133
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #27 on: 05/02/2022 10:56 pm »
... but no planned Vulcan missions have yet been assigned for operation from SLC-3E.
hmmm

Offline Steven Pietrobon

  • Member
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 39822
  • Adelaide, Australia
    • Steven Pietrobon's Space Archive
  • Liked: 33662
  • Likes Given: 10411
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #28 on: 05/04/2022 06:54 am »
... but no planned Vulcan missions have yet been assigned for operation from SLC-3E.
hmmm

I guess you mean that some of the Kuiper missions will be flying from Vandenberg! :-)
Akin's Laws of Spacecraft Design #1:  Engineering is done with numbers.  Analysis without numbers is only an opinion.

Offline Zed_Noir

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5490
  • Canada
  • Liked: 1813
  • Likes Given: 1302
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #29 on: 05/04/2022 09:28 am »
Maybe Below Orbit Blue Origin might considering leasing pad SLC-6 for west coast launches of the New Glenn. More like squatting on the pad to denied it use to other launch providers.

Offline edkyle99

  • Expert
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15586
    • Space Launch Report
  • Liked: 8964
  • Likes Given: 1405
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #30 on: 05/04/2022 01:02 pm »
The Space Shuttle and Titan IIIC were to have used Space Launch Complex 6 ....
SLC 6 was originally built for Titan IIIM, boosted by the 7-segment dual solid motor Stage 0, to orbit MOL/Dorian.  When Dorian was shelved in 1969, so was Titan IIIM and SLC 6.

With its recent big launch contract, I wonder if ULA might be looking anew at SLC 37 and/or SLC 6.

 - Ed Kyle
« Last Edit: 05/04/2022 01:04 pm by edkyle99 »

Offline deadman1204

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2098
  • USA
  • Liked: 1626
  • Likes Given: 3096
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #31 on: 05/04/2022 01:38 pm »
Maybe Below Orbit Blue Origin might considering leasing pad SLC-6 for west coast launches of the New Glenn. More like squatting on the pad to denied it use to other launch providers.

Sadly it does fit with the company

Offline Vahe231991

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1687
  • 11 Canyon Terrace
  • Liked: 465
  • Likes Given: 199
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #32 on: 05/04/2022 03:40 pm »
... but no planned Vulcan missions have yet been assigned for operation from SLC-3E.
hmmm

I guess you mean that some of the Kuiper missions will be flying from Vandenberg! :-)
Last month Amazon secured a contract to provide for 38 Kuiper missions using the Vulcan rocket. All planned Kuiper missions aboard the Atlas V will be launched from Cape Canaveral, but it remains to be seen whether some of the contracted Kuiper missions for launch aboard the Vulcan will be carried out from VSFB.

Offline Jim

  • Night Gator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 38188
  • Cape Canaveral Spaceport
  • Liked: 22664
  • Likes Given: 432
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #33 on: 05/05/2022 08:35 pm »
Given that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)?

no.

Offline Jim

  • Night Gator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 38188
  • Cape Canaveral Spaceport
  • Liked: 22664
  • Likes Given: 432
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #34 on: 05/05/2022 08:36 pm »
Given that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)? Since ULA has already planned to use just one facility at Vandenberg SFB, I would imagine that the USSF will begin demolishing the SLC-6 launch site a few months after the NROL-91 is launched.

I thought SLC-3E would be modified for West Coast Vulcan missions.
The US Space Force plans to modify launch pad SLC-3E for the Vulcan rocket,

No, ULA is going to modify SLC-3E

Offline deadman1204

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2098
  • USA
  • Liked: 1626
  • Likes Given: 3096
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #35 on: 05/11/2022 02:30 pm »
Given that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)?

no.
Has there ever been a "closing ceremony" for a rockets last launch (ignoring shuttle)?

Offline Jim

  • Night Gator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 38188
  • Cape Canaveral Spaceport
  • Liked: 22664
  • Likes Given: 432
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #36 on: 05/11/2022 02:49 pm »
Given that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)?

no.
Has there ever been a "closing ceremony" for a rockets last launch (ignoring shuttle)?

No

Offline EL_DIABLO

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 198
  • Liked: 155
  • Likes Given: 223
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #37 on: 08/24/2022 10:27 pm »
Quote
NRO @NatReconOfc
LAUNCH UPDATE: #NROL91 is scheduled to launch from Vandenberg SFB (@SLdelta30) on a @ulalaunch
Delta IV Heavy September 24. This is the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the #WestCoast, don’t miss out!

#AboveandBeyond #LastButNotLeast

Anybody know when ULA's lease for SLC-6 ends?

Offline DaveS

  • Shuttle program observer
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8597
  • Sweden
  • Liked: 1315
  • Likes Given: 69
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #38 on: 08/24/2022 10:34 pm »
Given that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)?

no.
Has there ever been a "closing ceremony" for a rockets last launch (ignoring shuttle)?

No
Wasn't there a ceremony of sorts when the last "classic Atlas" launched from SLC-36? I seem to remember something to that effect when SLC-36 hosted its launch launch.
"For Sardines, space is no problem!"
-1996 Astronaut class slogan

"We're rolling in the wrong direction but for the right reasons"
-USA engineer about the rollback of Discovery prior to the STS-114 Return To Flight mission

Offline Newton_V

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 880
  • United States
  • Liked: 891
  • Likes Given: 133
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #39 on: 09/05/2022 09:49 pm »
Gonna be sad this old rust-bucket won't be used again.  :'(

Offline xyv

  • Full Member
  • **
  • Posts: 259
  • South of Vandenberg
  • Liked: 551
  • Likes Given: 115
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #40 on: 09/07/2022 01:50 am »
Gonna be sad this old rust-bucket won't be used again.  :'(

You and me both.  Managing the development of this monstrosity (in it's second life, Shuttle form) was the first half of my brief forray into the launch business.  Obviously I still  have a soft spot for rockets even if my professional passion is infrared imaging.
« Last Edit: 09/07/2022 01:52 am by xyv »

Offline Vahe231991

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1687
  • 11 Canyon Terrace
  • Liked: 465
  • Likes Given: 199
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #41 on: 09/07/2022 03:53 pm »
Given that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)?

no.
Has there ever been a "closing ceremony" for a rockets last launch (ignoring shuttle)?

No
Wasn't there a ceremony of sorts when the last "classic Atlas" launched from SLC-36? I seem to remember something to that effect when SLC-36 hosted its launch launch.
What is the "classic Atlas" you refer to? The Atlas II or Atlas III?

Offline ZachS09

  • Space Savant
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8580
  • Roanoke, TX
  • Liked: 2481
  • Likes Given: 2146
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #42 on: 09/07/2022 03:59 pm »
Given that Delta IV Heavy slated to launch NROL-91 will be the last Delta IV Heavy launch from the SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and there are no more launches scheduled to launch from that base, is the US Space Force planning a ceremony in the future to mark the decommissioning of SLC-6 and a special farewell tribute to the men and women involved in launches of the Delta IV Heavy at Vandenberg Space Force Base (then known as Vandenberg Air Force Base when the Delta IV Heavy was first launched in 2004)?

no.
Has there ever been a "closing ceremony" for a rockets last launch (ignoring shuttle)?

No
Wasn't there a ceremony of sorts when the last "classic Atlas" launched from SLC-36? I seem to remember something to that effect when SLC-36 hosted its launch launch.
What is the "classic Atlas" you refer to? The Atlas II or Atlas III?

I think it’s both Atlas II and Atlas III. When I was a Spaceflight Now member in my tween years, I saw two videos depicting the blockhouse conductor doing a toast for all the hard work and dedication put into each launch vehicle program. One was done after the final Atlas II launch in August 2004, and the other after the final Atlas III launch in February 2005.
« Last Edit: 09/07/2022 04:00 pm by ZachS09 »
Liftoff for St. Jude's! Go Dragon, Go Falcon, Godspeed Inspiration4!

Offline hartspace

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 358
  • Liked: 344
  • Likes Given: 154
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #43 on: 09/07/2022 07:54 pm »
Gonna be sad this old rust-bucket won't be used again.  :'(
I will shed a tear when it exits service, having spent a lot of my career there during its 3 iterations.  Worked on the Shuttle part for both Martin and Lockheed, launched a couple of satellites from there on Athena, and launched a couple of payloads on Delta IV.  A lot of history (good and not so good) at that launch pad.

Offline Vahe231991

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1687
  • 11 Canyon Terrace
  • Liked: 465
  • Likes Given: 199
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #44 on: 09/24/2022 04:09 pm »
From SpaceNews:
Quote
[Gary Wentz] said ULA did not see a need to keep two launch pads on the West Coast. “From a business perspective, it was appropriate for us to use SLC-3 because there was a lot of commonality between Atlas and Vulcan systems.”

Wentz reaffirms previous statements that SLC-6 is set for dismantlement and that ULA needs only one launch pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Offline Jim

  • Night Gator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 38188
  • Cape Canaveral Spaceport
  • Liked: 22664
  • Likes Given: 432
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #45 on: 09/24/2022 06:24 pm »
From SpaceNews:
Quote
[Gary Wentz] said ULA did not see a need to keep two launch pads on the West Coast. “From a business perspective, it was appropriate for us to use SLC-3 because there was a lot of commonality between Atlas and Vulcan systems.”

Wentz reaffirms previous statements that SLC-6 is set for dismantlement and that ULA needs only one launch pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

No, ULA is only vacating SLC-6.  The 30th SLD is looking for other users.  They will determine if it is to be dismantled.
« Last Edit: 09/24/2022 06:24 pm by Jim »

Offline Vahe231991

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1687
  • 11 Canyon Terrace
  • Liked: 465
  • Likes Given: 199
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #46 on: 09/24/2022 08:46 pm »
From SpaceNews:
Quote
[Gary Wentz] said ULA did not see a need to keep two launch pads on the West Coast. “From a business perspective, it was appropriate for us to use SLC-3 because there was a lot of commonality between Atlas and Vulcan systems.”

Wentz reaffirms previous statements that SLC-6 is set for dismantlement and that ULA needs only one launch pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

No, ULA is only vacating SLC-6.  The 30th SLD is looking for other users.  They will determine if it is to be dismantled.
Well, thank you for the feedback. I saw something on this thread that said that ULA mentioned plans to downsize to only 2 launch pads (one in Florida, one in Vandenberg SFB), but at least the future of the SLC-6 facility will remain up in the air even after the last Delta IV Heavy is carried out from VSFB and ULA relinquishes ownership of SLC-6. In particular, the SLC-6 was intended for space shuttle launches when construction of it began, but safety concerns meant that the Space Shuttle never used the SLC-6 launch pad as a secondary launch site and the facility was eventually used to support launches of the Athena rocket.

Offline Jim

  • Night Gator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 38188
  • Cape Canaveral Spaceport
  • Liked: 22664
  • Likes Given: 432
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #47 on: 09/24/2022 09:02 pm »
. In particular, the SLC-6 was intended for space shuttle launches when construction of it began, but safety concerns meant that the Space Shuttle never used the SLC-6 launch pad as a secondary launch site and the facility was eventually used to support launches of the Athena rocket.

No need to repeat common knowledge.

Also, it wasn't a "secondary" launch site. It was the primary launch site for polar orbits

Offline butters

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2419
  • Liked: 1731
  • Likes Given: 615
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #48 on: 09/24/2022 09:15 pm »
From SpaceNews:
Quote
[Gary Wentz] said ULA did not see a need to keep two launch pads on the West Coast. “From a business perspective, it was appropriate for us to use SLC-3 because there was a lot of commonality between Atlas and Vulcan systems.”

Wentz reaffirms previous statements that SLC-6 is set for dismantlement and that ULA needs only one launch pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

No, ULA is only vacating SLC-6.  The 30th SLD is looking for other users.  They will determine if it is to be dismantled.
Do you know if there are any decommissioning requirements as to the state in which ULA is expected to leave the property? Is Space Force responsible for property maintenance for as long as there is no tenant? Or is it basically left to nature and any future tenant is expected to perform necessary site remediations?

Offline SpeakertoAnimals

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 131
  • Oregon
  • Liked: 125
  • Likes Given: 32
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #49 on: 09/24/2022 09:53 pm »
Does anyone know who owns the Ground Service Equipment at SLC 6? There is some interesting stuff there.

Online catdlr

  • Member
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15297
  • Enthusiast since the Redstone and Thunderbirds
  • Marina del Rey, California, USA
  • Liked: 13264
  • Likes Given: 10146
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #50 on: 09/25/2022 04:04 am »
Does anyone know who owns the Ground Service Equipment at SLC 6? There is some interesting stuff there.

Interesting. Perhaps the California Science Center could re-purpose the Service Tower and re-purpose and re-configure some of the umbilicals for the proposed Endeavor Launch set-up.  Heaven knows where the original umbilical arms and launch mount went or got dismantled.  Anyway, just a thought.
It's Tony De La Rosa, ...I don't create this stuff, I just report it.

Offline Vahe231991

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1687
  • 11 Canyon Terrace
  • Liked: 465
  • Likes Given: 199
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #51 on: 04/16/2023 03:50 am »
I thought this post on Twitter from Eric Berger regarding unofficial reports that Blue Origin wants to take over SLC-6 might be of relevance to this thread:
https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1645502085297840143
« Last Edit: 04/16/2023 03:51 am by Vahe231991 »

Online GewoonLukas_

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1883
  • Lukas C. H.
  • Netherlands
  • Liked: 4601
  • Likes Given: 2078
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #52 on: 04/25/2023 10:58 am »
SpaceX will take over SLC-6:

Quote
SPACE LAUNCH DELTA 30 TO LEASE SPACE LAUNCH COMPLEX 6 TO SPACE X

April 24th, 2023

Col. Rob Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, signed a statement of support on April 21, 2023, granting SpaceX permission to lease Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6) for Falcon rocket launches.

SLC-6 previously supported the Delta IV vehicle family and has remained vacant since the final Delta IV Heavy launch on Sept. 24, 2022.

The decision is the result of SLD 30's launch pad allocation strategy, which is a process to evaluate the suitability of various launch sites for different types of rockets and payloads. The process is critical to ensuring that launches are safe, and that the selected launch site can accommodate the unique requirements of each mission. This was the first round of launch pad allocations, and additional rounds of allocations will occur in the future after further operational analysis.

"This is an exciting time for Vandenberg Space Force Base, our nation's premier West Coast launch site for military, civil and commercial space operations," said Col. Rob Long, SLD 30 commander. "This agreement will add to the rich history of SLC-6 and builds on the already strong partnership with SpaceX."
Lukas C. H. • Hobbyist Mission Patch Artist 🎨 • May the force be with you my friend, Ad Astra Per Aspera ✨️

Offline Zed_Noir

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5490
  • Canada
  • Liked: 1813
  • Likes Given: 1302
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #53 on: 04/25/2023 05:42 pm »
Wonder if SpaceX will also take over SLC-37B to increase their East Coast Falcon launch cadence after the Delta IV Heavy retires? As well as another launch pad for the Falcon Heavy with vertical payload integration.

Offline Vahe231991

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1687
  • 11 Canyon Terrace
  • Liked: 465
  • Likes Given: 199
Re: Delta IVH: Future of 37B and SLC-6?
« Reply #54 on: 04/25/2023 06:34 pm »
SpaceX will take over SLC-6:

Quote
SPACE LAUNCH DELTA 30 TO LEASE SPACE LAUNCH COMPLEX 6 TO SPACE X

April 24th, 2023

Col. Rob Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, signed a statement of support on April 21, 2023, granting SpaceX permission to lease Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6) for Falcon rocket launches.

SLC-6 previously supported the Delta IV vehicle family and has remained vacant since the final Delta IV Heavy launch on Sept. 24, 2022.

The decision is the result of SLD 30's launch pad allocation strategy, which is a process to evaluate the suitability of various launch sites for different types of rockets and payloads. The process is critical to ensuring that launches are safe, and that the selected launch site can accommodate the unique requirements of each mission. This was the first round of launch pad allocations, and additional rounds of allocations will occur in the future after further operational analysis.

"This is an exciting time for Vandenberg Space Force Base, our nation's premier West Coast launch site for military, civil and commercial space operations," said Col. Rob Long, SLD 30 commander. "This agreement will add to the rich history of SLC-6 and builds on the already strong partnership with SpaceX."
At last, official word on the fate of SLC-6 after the last launch of the Delta IV Heavy in from that facility in late 2022.

 

Advertisement NovaTech
Advertisement
Advertisement Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Advertisement Brady Kenniston
Advertisement NextSpaceflight
Advertisement Nathan Barker Photography
1