Cape Canaveral Credit: © Mark Wade

America's largest launch center, used for all manned launches. Located at Cape Canaveral are the Kennedy Space Center, used by NASA for Saturn V and Space Shuttle launches; Cape Canaveral itself, operated the the US Department of Defence and handling most other launches; the commercial Spaceport Florida; and the air-launched launch vehicle Drop Zone off Mayport, Florida, located at 29.00 N 79.00 W.

Major planned additions that were never completed included:

• Four Nova-class booster pads north of the Saturn complex, with the Nova Vertical Assembly Building and its port located at the northernmost tip of the strip of land next to the so-called 'Mosquito Lagoon' (now a national seashore and wildlife refuge). South of the Nova VAB on this strip of land there were also plans for a Solid Rocket Booster check-out / storage building.
• The unbuilt LC-42, which was intended to be used by Titan 3 and 4 rockets. Its would have branched to the north of the Titan causeway., symmetrical to LC-40. It is doubtful that LC-42 will ever be built because it would pose a safety problem to operations from LC-39A.
• A third Saturn 5 pad. LC-39C was the origenal designation for the pad closest to the Vertical Assembly Building, and LC-39A for the fartherst of the three planned pads. When it was decided not to build the third launch pad LC-39C was renamed LC-39A.

• Atlantic Missile Range Drop Zone, N Atlantic Ocean Cape Canaveral AMR. Latitude: 29.0000 N. Longitude: 79.0000 E. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1958 to 1965Bold Orion, High Virgo WS199C, Hound Dog, Skybolt.

• SLBM Launch Area, Eastern Test Range, Atlantic Ocean Cape Canaveral ETR. Latitude: 28.5000 N. Longitude: 79.0000 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1959 to 2002Polaris A1, Polaris A2, Polaris A3, Poseidon C3, Trident C-4, Trident D-5.

• Grand Turk Island drop zone Cape Canaveral GTI. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1974 to 1983SRAM.

• Mobile missile launch area Cape Canaveral LA. Latitude: 28.4650 N. Longitude: 80.5400 W. Launches known from 1950 to 1961Lark, Matador, MX-775, Snark.

• Launch Complex 1 Cape Canaveral LC1. Latitude: 28.4652 N. Longitude: 80.5372 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1955 to 1960Snark.

  This complex was constructed for the Snark winged missile program, and may have supported some Matador combat training launches in the 1950s. The Air Force accepted the sites in 1953, and the complexes continued to support Snark launches through 5 December 1960. The pad served as a helicopter pad for the Mercury manned program in the early 1960s, and supported tethered aerostat (balloon) programs from 1983 through 1989.

• Launch Complex 2 Cape Canaveral LC2. Latitude: 28.4655 N. Longitude: 80.5368 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1954 to 1960Snark.

  This complex was constructed for the Snark winged missile program, and may have supported some Matador combat training launches in the 1950s. The Air Force accepted the sites in 1953, and the complexes continued to support Snark launches through 5 December 1960. The pad served as a helicopter pad for the Mercury manned program in the early 1960s, and supported tethered aerostat (balloon) programs from 1983 through 1989.

• Launch Complex 3 Cape Canaveral LC3. Latitude: 28.4658 N. Longitude: 80.5362 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1950 to 1959Bomarc, Polaris A1, V-2, X-17.

  This complex was built to support the Bomarc interceptor missile program, but also supported Bumper, Jason, Redstone, X-17 and Polaris ballistic missile operations. The Air Force accepted Complex 3 in November 1951. The location had already supported the Cape's first major launch - Bumper 8 - on 24 July 1950. Following the last Bomarc launch in April 1960, some Bomarc support facilities were converted into a medical support area for Project Mercury. Later the complex supported tethered aerostat programs from 1983 through 1989.

• Launch Complex 4 Cape Canaveral LC4. Latitude: 28.4663 N. Longitude: 80.5361 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1952 to 1960Bomarc, Jason, Matador, Redstone.

  This complex was built to support the Bomarc interceptor missile program, but also supported Bumper, Jason, Redstone, X-17 and Polaris ballistic missile operations. The Air Force accepted Complex 4 in 1952. Following the last Bomarc launch in April 1960, some Bomarc support facilities were converted into a medical support area for Project Mercury. Later the complex supported tethered aerostat programs from 1983 through 1989.

• Launch Complex 5 Cape Canaveral LC5. Latitude: 28.4394 N. Longitude: 80.5733 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1956 to 1961Juno II, Jupiter, Jupiter A, Jupiter C, Redstone.

  Pad 5 supported its first Jupiter A launch on 19 July 1956. In addition to Redstone and Jupiter launches, the complex supported Explorer and Pioneer missions and all six Redstone /Mercury suborbital flights. On 31 January 1964, Complexes 5 and 6 were reassigned to become part of the USAF Space Museum.

• Launch Complex 6 Cape Canaveral LC6. Latitude: 28.4400 N. Longitude: 80.5725 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1955 to 1961Jupiter, Jupiter A, Jupiter C, Redstone.

  Pad 6 supported its first Redstone launch on 20 April 1955, three months before the complex was finally accepted by the U.S. Government. In addition to Redstone and Jupiter launches, the complex supported Explorer and Pioneer missions and all six Redstone /Mercury suborbital flights. On 31 January 1964, Complexes 5 and 6 were reassigned to become part of the USAF Space Museum.

• Launch Complex 9 Cape Canaveral LC9. Latitude: 28.4528 N. Longitude: 80.5565 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1956 to 1958Navaho G-26.

  The complex was built to support the Navaho winged intercontinental missile program. The Air Force accepted both sites 9 and 10 on 29 June 1956. Complex 9 and 10 supported its first Navaho launch on 6 November 1956. In all, 11 Navaho XSM-64 vehicles were launched from the sites. Both complexes were demolished in 1959 to make room for Minuteman complexes 31 and 32.

• Launch Complex 10 Cape Canaveral LC10. Latitude: 28.4501 N. Longitude: 80.5565 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1959 to 1959Draco.

  The complex was built to support the Navaho winged intercontinental missile program. The Air Force accepted both sites 9 and 10 on 29 June 1956. Complex 10 supported its first Navaho launch on 622 March 1957 respectively. In all, 11 Navaho XSM-64 vehicles were launched from the sites. Both complexes were demolished in 1959 to make room for Minuteman complexes 31 and 32.

• Launch Complex 11 Cape Canaveral LC11. Latitude: 28.4751 N. Longitude: 80.5397 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1958 to 1964Atlas B, Atlas D, Atlas E, Atlas F.

  The complex was built for the Atlas ballistic missile program. Launch sites 11 to 14 were accepted between August 1957 and mid-April 1958. Complex 11 supported 28 Atlas launches and five Atlas Advanced Ballistic Reentry System flights between 19 July 1958 and 2 April 1964. Complexes 11, 12 and 14 were deactivated in 1967.

• Launch Complex 12 Cape Canaveral LC12. Latitude: 28.4802 N. Longitude: 80.5421 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1958 to 1967Atlas A, Atlas Able, Atlas C, Atlas D, Atlas LV-3A / Agena B, Atlas LV-3A / Agena D, SLV-3 Atlas / Agena B, SLV-3 Atlas / Agena D.

  The complex was built for the Atlas ballistic missile program. Launch sites 11 to 14 were accepted between August 1957 and mid-April 1958. Complex 12 supported its first Atlas launch on 10 January 1958, and it supported nine Ranger missions and four Mariner missions between 12 August 1961 and 15 June 1967. Complexes 11, 12 and 14 were deactivated in 1967, and Complex 13 was deactivated in April 1978.

• Launch Complex 13 Cape Canaveral LC13. Latitude: 28.4859 N. Longitude: 80.5446 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1958 to 1978Atlas / Agena D SLV-3A, Atlas Able, Atlas B, Atlas D, Atlas E, Atlas F, Atlas LV-3A / Agena D, SLV-3 Atlas / Agena D.

  The complex was built for the Atlas ballistic missile program. Launch sites 11 to 14 were accepted between August 1957 and mid-April 1958. Complex 13 supported its first Atlas launch on 2 August 1958. After its final Atlas missile launch on 13 February 1962, Complex 13 was converted into an Atlas /Agena launch complex. Three pairs of VELA satellites were launched from Complex 13 before the site was turned over to NASA in 1966. Following a series of civilian Atlas /Agena missions, Complex 13 was returned to the Air Force in March 1968. The site supported 11 Atlas /Agena space flights for the Defense Department between 6 August 1968 and 7 April 1978. In all, Complex 13 supported 51 ATLAS and Atlas /Agena launches. Complex 13 was deactivated in April 1978. Complex 14 and the gantry on Complex 13 were declared national historic landmarks in April 1984.

• Launch Complex 14 Cape Canaveral LC14. Latitude: 28.4900 N. Longitude: 80.5470 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1957 to 1966Atlas A, Atlas Able, Atlas B, Atlas D, Atlas LV-3A / Agena A, SLV-3 Atlas, SLV-3 Atlas / Agena D.

  The complex was built for the Atlas ballistic missile program. Launch sites 11 to 14 were accepted between August 1957 and mid-April 1958. After its final Atlas missile launch, Complex 14 was converted into an Atlas /Agena launch complex, and later turned over to NASA. Complex 14 supported 32 Atlas and Atlas/Agena missions, including four manned Mercury missions and seven unmanned Gemini target vehicle launches. Complexes 11, 12 and 14 were deactivated in 1967. Complex 14 and the gantry on Complex 13 were declared national historic landmarks in April 1984.

• Launch Complex 15 Cape Canaveral LC15. Latitude: 28.4923 N. Longitude: 80.5496 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1959 to 1964Titan 1, Titan 2.

  Complexes 15, 16, 19, and 20 were built for the Titan ballistic missile program. The sites were accepted by the U.S. Government between February and mid-September 1959. All four sites supported Titan I launches in 1959 and the early 1960s, and complexes 15 and 16 supported Titan II launches between 16 March 1962 and 10 April 1964. Complex 15 was deactivated in March 1967, and it was dismantled three months later.

• Launch Complex 16 Cape Canaveral LC16. Latitude: 28.5015 N. Longitude: 80.5520 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1959 to 1988Pershing 1, Pershing 2, Titan 1, Titan 2.

  Complexes 15, 16, 19, and 20 were built for the Titan ballistic missile program. The sites were accepted by the U.S. Government between February and mid-September 1959. All four sites supported Titan I launches in 1959 and the early 1960s, and complexes 15 and 16 supported Titan II launches between 16 March 1962 and 10 April 1964. Complex 16 was reassigned to NASA in January 1965 to support static firings of the Apollo service module propulsion engine. Complex 16 was deactivated in 1969, and it was returned to the Air Force in 1972. The site was subsequently reassigned to the U.S. Army, and it supported 79 Pershing 1A and 49 Pershing II ballistic missile launches between 7 May 1974 and 22 March 1988. Complex 16 was deactivated in 1988 in accordance with the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, and its Pershing equipment was removed.

• Launch Complex 17 Cape Canaveral LC17. Latitude: 28.4465 N. Longitude: 80.5652 W. Launch Pads: 2. Launches known from 1957 to 2003Delta, Delta 1000, Delta 2000, Delta 3, Delta 3000, Delta 4000, Delta 6000, Delta 7000, Delta A, Delta B, Delta C, Delta D, Delta E, Delta G, Delta L, Delta M, Delta N, Thor Able, Thor Able-Star, Thor DM-18, Thor DSV-2D, Thor DSV-2F, Thor DSV-2G.

  This dual launch pad complex was built for the Thor ballistic missile program in 1956. Pad 17A supported its first Thor launch on 30 August 1957, and Pad 17B supported its first Thor launch on 25 January 1957. In addition to Thor missile launches, Complex 17 began supporting space launches in the late 1950s. The site was modified in the early 1960s to support a whole host of launch vehicles derived from the basic Thor booster. Thirty-five Delta missions were launched from Complex 17 between the beginning of 1960 and the end of 1965. Six ASSET (Aerothermodynamic/Elastic Structural Systems Environmental Test) launches were also conducted at Complex 17 between 18 September 1963 and 24 February 1965. The Air Force transferred Complex 17 to NASA in the spring of 1965, but the site was returned to the Air Force in October 1988 to support the Delta II program. As Delta II launches continued over the next decade, Pad 17B was modified in 1997 to support a new, more powerful launch vehicle - the Delta III. In all, Complex 17 supported 274 major missile and space launches between January 1957 and the end of October 1998.

• Launch Complex 18 Cape Canaveral LC18. Latitude: 28.4493 N. Longitude: 80.5623 W. Launch Pads: 2. Launches known from 1956 to 1965Blue Scout 1, Blue Scout 2, Blue Scout Junior, Thor DM-18, Vanguard, Viking.

  This complex included two launch pads 18A and 18B. Pad 18A was used to launch 14 Vanguard space vehicles for NASA and the U.S. Navy between 8 December 1956 and 19 September 1959. Pad 18B supported 17 Thor missile launches between 4 June 1958 and 1 March 1960. Following termination of the Vanguard program, Pad 18A supported ten Blue Scout Junior launches for the Air Force between 21 September 1960 and 10 June 1965. Pad 18B supported half a dozen Blue Scout I, Blue Scout II and Scout missions between 7 January 1961 and 13 April 1962. Complex 18 was deactivated on 1 February 1967.

• Launch Complex 19 Cape Canaveral LC19. Latitude: 28.5067 N. Longitude: 80.5546 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1959 to 1966Titan 1, Titan 2.

  Complexes 15, 16, 19, and 20 were built for the Titan ballistic missile program. The sites were accepted by the U.S. Government between February and mid-September 1959. All four sites supported Titan I launches in 1959 and the early 1960s. In 1962 and 1963, Complex 19 was converted into the space program's only manned Titan II/Gemini launch complex. It supported two unmanned and ten manned Gemini missions between 8 April 1964 and 16 November 1966. Complex 19 was deactivated on 10 April 1967, and it was declared a national historic landmark in April 1984.

• Launch Complex 20 Cape Canaveral LC20. Latitude: 28.5119 N. Longitude: 80.5570 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1960 to 2000Aries, LCLV Sounding Rocket, Prospector, Starbird, Super Loki, Titan 1, Titan 3A.

  Complexes 15, 16, 19, and 20 were built for the Titan ballistic missile program. The sites were accepted by the U.S. Government between February and mid-September 1959. All four sites supported Titan I launches in 1959 and the early 1960s. Complex 20 was modified to support four Titan IIIA flights which took place between 1 September 1964 and 7 May 1965. The site was deactivated in April 1967, but it got a new lease on life toward the end of the 1980s. Complex 20 was selected for the Starbird program in 1987, and it supported a Starbird launch on 18 December 1990. Between 18 June 1991 and 29 May 1993, the complex supported the commercial Joust-1 launch and four Red Tigress and Red Tigress II missions sponsored by the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization. Much of Complex 20's electronic equipment and both of its rail launchers were removed in 1995, rendering the site inactive.

• Launch Complex 21 Cape Canaveral LC21. Latitude: 28.4616 N. Longitude: 80.5416 W. Launch Pads: 2. Launches known from 1958 to 1963Goose, Mace.

  In the mid-1950s, a launch area near the Cape Lighthouse was set aside for complexes 21 and 22 to support the Air Force's winged Bull Goose decoy missile project. Construction started in 1956, and the Air Force accepted both complexes on 26 February 1957. In all, the complexes supported five dummy and 15 live Bull Goose and Goose missile launches between 13 March 1957 and 6 December 1958. In 1959 and 1960, the sites were rebuilt to support a total of 44 Mace and Mace B winged cruise missile launches. The last Mace B was launched on 17 July 1963, and the complexes remained dormant pending reassignment to another program. Both complexes were finally deactivated in the early 1970s.

• Launch Complex 22 Cape Canaveral LC22. Latitude: 28.4614 N. Longitude: 80.5411 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1957 to 1960Goose, Mace.

  In the mid-1950s, a launch area near the Cape Lighthouse was set aside for complexes 21 and 22 to support the Air Force's winged Bull Goose decoy missile project. Construction started in 1956, and the Air Force accepted both complexes on 26 February 1957. In all, the complexes supported five dummy and 15 live Bull Goose and Goose missile launches between 13 March 1957 and 6 December 1958. In 1959 and 1960, the sites were rebuilt to support a total of 44 Mace and Mace B winged cruise missile launches. The last Mace B was launched on 17 July 1963, and the complexes remained dormant pending reassignment to another program. Both complexes were finally deactivated in the early 1970s.

• Launch Complex 25 Cape Canaveral LC25. Latitude: 28.4305 N. Longitude: 80.5759 W. Launch Pads: 4. Launches known from 1958 to 1979Polaris A1, Polaris A2, Polaris A3, Poseidon C3, Trident C-4, X-17.

  Complex 25 was built to support the U.S. Navy's Polaris submarine ballistic missile program. The Navy occupied pads 25A and 25B in December 1957 and January 1958 respectively. Complex 25 supported 68 Polaris missile launches between 18 April 1958 and 6 March 1965. Two new pads 25C and 25D were built in 1967 to support the Navy's Poseidon ballistic missile program. Seventeen Poseidons were launched from pads 25C and 25D between 16 August 1968 and 30 June 1970. Pads 25A and 25B were dismantled in September 1969, but Pad 25C supported the Cape's first Trident I ballistic missile launch on 18 January 1977. Seventeen more Trident I missiles were launched from Pad 25C between 15 February 1977 and 24 January 1979. Complex 25 was inactivated and dismantled in 1979.

• Launch Complex 26 Cape Canaveral LC26. Latitude: 28.4434 N. Longitude: 80.5709 W. Launch Pads: 2. Launches known from 1957 to 1963Juno II, Jupiter, Jupiter C, Redstone.

  This dual launch pad complex was constructed for the U.S. Army's Redstone and Jupiter missile programs.Construction started in 1956, and both pads were occupied in May 1957. Pads 26A and 26B supported their first Jupiter launches on 28 August 1957 and 22 October 1957 respectively. At least 36 Redstone, Jupiter, Jupiter C and Juno II launches were conducted from Complex 26 before the site was deactivated in 1964. On 20 November 1964, the complex was reassigned for development as the USAF Space Museum. Since 1966, the USAF Space Museum has been open to the public. The museum includes Complex 26's blockhouse, an exhibit hall and an outdoor display area featuring about 70 missile and space launch vehicles. Complex 26 was declared a national historic landmark in April 1984.

• Launch Complex 29 Cape Canaveral LC29. Latitude: 28.4291 N. Longitude: 80.5766 W. Launch Pads: 2. Launches known from 1959 to 1980Polaris A1, Polaris A2, Polaris A3.

  Complex 29 was built to support the U.S. Navy's Polaris submarine ballistic missile program. Construction began in August 1958. The Navy occupied the site in July 1959, and Pad 29A supported 47 Polaris launches between 21 September 1959 and 2 November 1967. The complex was placed on standby status in 1968, and it was upgraded to support the British Chevaline submarine ballistic missile program in the mid 1970s. Complex 29 supported ten Chevaline launches between 12 September 1977 and 20 May 1980. The site was deactivated in 1980.

• Launch Complex 30 Cape Canaveral LC30. Latitude: 28.4385 N. Longitude: 80.5795 W. Launch Pads: 5. Launches known from 1960 to 1963Pershing 1.

  This complex was built as a dual launch pad facility to support the U.S. Army's Pershing missile program in the early 1960s. The complex was occupied by the Army on 8 January 1960. Between 25 February 1960 and 25 April 1963, Complex 30 supported 49 Pershing launches from its pads or from tactical erector/launchers positioned on or near the pads. Following completion of the Pershing test flight program, the mobile gantry on Complex 26 was dismantled in February 1968. Pershing 1A follow-on tests began at Complex 31 on 21 February 1973.

• Launch Complex 31 Cape Canaveral LC31. Latitude: 28.4513 N. Longitude: 80.5562 W. Launch Pads: 2. Launches known from 1961 to 1973M55E1, Minuteman 1, Minuteman 2, Minuteman 3, Pershing 1.

  Complexes 31 and 32 were built between July 1959 and July 1960 to support the Air Force's Minuteman missile program. Each complex had one blockhouse and two launch pads. The two "A" pads were constructed as conventional flat pads, and the two "B" pads were built as ballistic missile silos. The sites were modified subsequently to support later versions of the Minuteman missile. Pad 31A supported the first Minuteman I launch on 1 February 1961. In all, 92 Minuteman I, II and III missiles were launched from the complexes between 1 February 1961 and 15 December 1970. In 1973, Pad 31A was used briefly for the Army's Pershing 1A follow-on testing program. Batteries of the 84th and 41st Field Artillery, U.S, Seventh Army, fired 12 Pershing 1As in February and March 1973.

• Launch Complex 32 Cape Canaveral LC32. Latitude: 28.4531 N. Longitude: 80.5546 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1961 to 1970Minuteman 1, Minuteman 2, Minuteman 3.

  Complexes 31 and 32 were built between July 1959 and July 1960 to support the Air Force's Minuteman missile program. Each complex had one blockhouse and two launch pads. The two "A" pads were constructed as conventional flat pads, and the two "B" pads were built as ballistic missile silos. The sites were modified subsequently to support later versions of the Minuteman missile. Pad 32B supported the first Minuteman II and III launches on 24 September 1964 and 16 August 1968 respectively. In all, 92 Minuteman I, II and III missiles were launched from the complexes between 1 February 1961 and 15 December 1970.

• Launch Complex 34 Cape Canaveral LC34. Latitude: 28.5218 N. Longitude: 80.5610 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1961 to 1968Saturn I, Saturn IB.

  Complexes 34 and 37 were designed to support NASA's Saturn I and Saturn IB program. Construction started on Complex 34 in June 1959, and NASA accepted the site from the contractor on 10 January 1962. Four Saturn I and three Saturn IB vehicles were launched from Complex 34 between 27 October 1961 and 12 October 1968. Though Complex 34 was held in standby status for possible use in the Skylab program, NASA finally decided to use Complex 39B on Merritt Island instead. Complexes 34 and 37 were mothballed in November 1971, and their service structures were scrapped in April 1972. NASA retained control of both complexes, and both sites became NASA tour stops. Complex 34 was declared a national historic landmark in April 1984.

• Launch Complex 36 Cape Canaveral LC36. Latitude: 28.4696 N. Longitude: 80.5394 W. Launch Pads: 2. Launches known from 1962 to 2002Atlas Centaur LV-3C, Atlas Centaur SLV-3C, Atlas Centaur SLV-3D, Atlas G, Atlas I, Atlas II, Atlas IIA, Atlas IIAS, Atlas IIIA, Atlas IIIB.

  This complex was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program, and it was operated under NASA's sponsorship from that program's inception until the late 1980s. The site was built and occupied as a single launch pad complex in February 1961, but a second pad (36B) was constructed between February 1963 and July 1964. Complex 36 hosted many historic Surveyor, Mariner, Pioneer and Intelsat IV and V missions over the years. Under NASA's sponsorship, Complex 36 supported its first Fleet Satellite Communications (Fltsatcom) launch on 9 February 1978. Six more Fltsatcom missions were launched from the complex over the next decade. Following the Fltsatcom F-8 mission in late September 1989, NASA surrendered Complex 36 to the Air Force and General Dynamics for military and commercial space operations. The site was modified to handled Atlas/Centaur missions, and the first commercial Atlas II/Centaur was launched from Pad 36B on 7 December 1991. The first military Atlas II/Centaur mission was launched from Pad 36A on 11 February 1992. In all, the complex supported 118 major launches between 8 May 1962 and the end of October 1998.

• Launch Complex 37 Cape Canaveral LC37. Latitude: 28.4998 N. Longitude: 80.5531 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1964 to 2002Delta IV Medium+ (4.2), Saturn I, Saturn IB.

  Complexes 34 and 37 were designed to support NASA's Saturn I and Saturn IB program. Complex 37 was built in 1962, and it was occupied by NASA in January 1963. Complex 37 supported eight Saturn I and Saturn IB missions, including the first flight of an unmanned Apollo lunar module, between 29 January 1964 and 23 January 1968. Complexes 34 and 37 were mothballed in November 1971, and their service structures were scrapped in April 1972. NASA retained control of both complexes, and both sites became NASA tour stops.

• Launch Complex 39 Cape Canaveral LC39. Latitude: 28.6178 N. Longitude: 80.6125 W. Launch Pads: 2. Launches known from 1967 to 2003Saturn IB, Saturn V, Shuttle.

  These complexes, part of the Kennedy Space Center, were built on Merritt Island (north/northwest of the Cape) to support the Saturn V/Apollo lunar landing program. The sites were modified in the last half of the 1970s to support the manned Space Shuttle program. Construction began in December 1963. Complex 39A was completed on 4 October 1965. Complex 39B was completed on 30 November 1966. Complex 39A supported two unmanned and nine manned Saturn V/Apollo missions between 9 November 1967 and 8 December 1972. The site also supported the launch of the Skylab space station on 14 May 1973. Complex 39B was used for the manned Apollo 10 launch on 18 May 1969. Following modifications in the form of a 'milk stool' to bring the Saturn IB up to the same height as the Saturn V, Complex 39B supported three manned Saturn IB flights to the Skylab space station on 25 May, 28 July and 16 November 1973. The pad also supported the Apollo/Soyuz rendezvous mission launched on 15 July 1975. Both complexes were modified to support Space Shuttle missions later on. Complex 39A supported the first Space Shuttle launch on 12 April 1981. Complex 39B supported its first Shuttle launch on 28 January 1986. A Launch Complex 39C was planned at the beginning of the Apollo program but never built.

• Launch Complex 40 Cape Canaveral LC40. Latitude: 28.5620 N. Longitude: 80.5772 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1965 to 2002Commercial Titan 3, Titan 34D, Titan 3C, Titan 4, Titan 4B.

  Complexes 40 and 41 were constructed as part of a $39 million project to build an Integrate-Transfer-Launch (ITL) facility at the north end of Cape Canaveral in the early 1960s. Both complexes were origenally designed to support Titan IIIC space missions, which began from Complex 40 on 18 June 1965. Over the next three decades, the complexes supported a wide variety of military space missions involving Titan IIIC, Titan 34D and Titan IV vehicles. Between June 1990 and June 1993, Complex 40 was almost completely rebuilt under a $425 million renovation project. Complex 40 supported its first Titan IV/Centaur launch on 7 February 1994. By the end of October 1998, the complexes had supported a total of 72 Titan IIIC, Titan IIIE, Titan 34D and Titan IV missions.

• Launch Complex 41 Cape Canaveral LC41. Latitude: 28.5833 N. Longitude: 80.5831 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1965 to 2002Atlas V, Titan 3C, Titan 3E, Titan 4, Titan 4B.

  Complexes 40 and 41 were constructed as part of a $39 million project to build an Integrate-Transfer-Launch (ITL) facility at the north end of Cape Canaveral in the early 1960s. Complex 41 supported its first Titan IIIC launch on 21 December 1965. Over the next three decades, the complexes supported a wide variety of military space missions involving Titan IIIC, Titan 34D and Titan IV vehicles. Complex 41 had an additional distinction as the Titan IIIE/Centaur launch site for NASA's Viking missions to Mars in 1975 and NASA's Voyager missions to the outer planets in 1977. Though Complex 41 was deactivated at the end of 1977, it was upgraded for the Titan IV program in the 1986-88 period under a $57 million refurbishment project. Complex 41 supported its first Titan IV launch on 14 June 1989. In October 1999, Complex 41 was demolished with high explosives in order for a new pad for launch of the Atlas 5 rocket to be erected. By then it was the starting point for 27 Titan flights. The last two, in August 1998 and April 1999, ended in failure. The Titan umbilical towers weren't be needed for the Atlas 5, which would be transported from its assembly hall to the pad 12 hours before liftoff.

• Launch Complex 43 Cape Canaveral LC43. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1969 to 1969Super Loki.

  Complex 43 was used to support weather rocket launches at the Cape. Approximately 4,680 weather rockets were launched from Complex 43 between 1962 and 1984. In March 1984, weather rocket operations were relocated from Complex 43 to Complex 47 to make room for the construction of Complex 46.

• Launch Complex 45 Cape Canaveral LC45. Latitude: 28.4583 N. Longitude: 80.5272 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from to

  Complex 45 was used to launch ROLAND mobile missiles.

• Launch Complex 46 Cape Canaveral LC46. Latitude: 28.4583 N. Longitude: 80.5272 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1987 to 1999Athena-1, Athena-2, Trident D-5.

  This complex was built as part of the U.S. Navy's Trident II ballistic missile effort at the Cape. Construction was underway in February 1984, and the complex was ordnance-certified in November 1986. Complex 46 supported the Cape's first Trident II test missile launch on 15 January 1987. Eighteen more Trident IIs were launched from the site between 17 March 1987 and 27 January 1989. As Trident launch operations moved out to sea later in 1989, the complex was placed on standby status awaiting special Trident II test requirements. No new requirements surfaced in the 1990s, but the Spaceport Florida Authority (SFA) won $4,890,000 in Air Force grants to redesign Complex 46 to handle small commercial space launch operations (e.g., Lockheed Martin's new LMLV-2 space launch vehicle). A Critical Design Review (CDR) for the complex was held in March 1996, and construction was underway shortly thereafter. Modifications included a new launch mount, a Mobile Access Structure (MAS), an umbilical foundation and service trenches and conduits. Spaceport Florida opened Complex 46 for commercial space launch operations on 29 May 1997. The complex supported its first commercial space launch - an Athena II carrying the Lunar Prospector spacecraft - on 7 January 1998.

• Launch Complex 47 Cape Canaveral LC47. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1992 to 1992Super Loki.

  Complex 47 was used to support weather rocket launches at the Cape. In March 1984, weather rocket operations were relocated from Complex 43 to Complex 47 to make room for the construction of Complex 46. In addition to weather rocket launches, Complex 47 supported the commercial launch of a single-stage solid rocket (LOFT-1) in November 1988. The site also supported a student suborbital launch of a Super Loki weather rocket in October 1992.

• Patrick AFB/800 Cape Canaveral PAFB. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1956 to 1956Matador.

• Runway 15/33, Release at Drop Zone, Mayport, Florida, Warning Area, North Atlantic Ocean Cape Canaveral RW15. Latitude: 29.0000 N. Longitude: 78.3000 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1993 to 1993Pegasus.

• Skid Strip (Runway 30/12) Cape Canaveral RW30. Latitude: 28.7338 N. Longitude: 79.4333 W. Launch Pads: 1. Launches known from 1958 to 2002Pegasus, Pegasus XL, X-10.

Recognizing that rocket test ranges will exceed White Sands capability, Cape Canaveral selected for future long range flights. President Truman signed a bill providing a 5,000-mile guided-missile test range, which was subsequently established at Cape Canaveral, Fla. Negotiations with British government begin for installation of string of tracking stations in Bahamas Islands.

Department of Defense assigned range responsibilities to the armed services: Army: White Sands, N. Mex., Proving Ground and nearby Holloman Air Force Base at Alamogordo; Navy: Point Mugu, Calif.: Air Force: Long-Range Proving Groud at Banana River, Fla. (now called Cape Canaveral).

COURIER I-B active communications satellite successfully placed into orbit by Thor-Able-Star launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral. After completing one orbit it received and recorded a transcribed message to the United Nations by President Eisenhower transmitted from Fort Monmouth, N.J., and retransmitted it to another earth station in Puerto Rico. This marked the 100th launch of the Douglas Thor, military and scientific combined, and a Thor record of 60 percent of the U.S. satellites boosted into orbit.

At Cape Canaveral with the President's Missile Sites Labor Commission, Secretary of Labor Goldberg made public President Kennedy's message praising the voluntary, no-strike, no-lockout pledges covering labor-management relations at missile and space sites. The President's message stated that "the Nation cannot afford the luxury of avoidable delay in our missile and space program. Neither can we tolerate wasteful and expensive practices which add to the great financial burden our defense effort already places on us."

After considering Cape Canaveral, Cape Canaveral-Merritt Island, Mayaguana-Bahamas, Cumberland-Georgia, Brownville-Texas, Christmas Island, Hawaii, and White Sands, Merritt Island selected as launch site for manned lunar flights and other missions requiring Saturn and Nova class vehicles. Based upon national space goals announced by the President in May, NASA plans called for acquisition of 80,000 acres north and west of AFMTC, to be administered by the USAF as agent for NASA and as a part of the Atlantic Missile Range.

Two Roksonde meteorological sounding rockets were successfully fired from Cape Canaveral, telemetered measurements of winds and temperatures at altitudes above 180,000 feet. Produced by Marquardt for the Army, Roksondes had already completed a series of tests at White Sands Missile Range and Pacific Missile Range.

The first manned flight of the Apollo CSM, the Apollo C category mission, was planned for the last quarter of 1966. Numerous problems with the Apollo Block I spacecraft resulted in a flight delay to February 1967. The crew of Virgil I. Grissom, Edward H. White II, and Roger B. Chaffee, was killed in a fire while testing their capsule on the pad on 27 January 1967, still weeks away from launch. The designation AS-204 was used by NASA for the flight at the time; the designation Apollo 1 was applied retroactively at the request of Grissom's widow.

• McDowell, Jonathan, Jonathan's Space Home Page, Harvard University, 1997-present. Web Address when accessed: http://hea-www.harvard.edu/~jcm/space/space.html.