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{{short description|Space vehicle launch complex on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida}}
] atop a ], from LC-37B]]
{{Infobox launch pad
'''] Launch Complex 37''' ('''LC-37''') is a launch complex at ], ], ]. The complex, which was built in the 1960s, consists of two launch pads. LC-37A has never been used, but LC-39B saw unmanned ] and ] flights in the mid ], and is still in use today, as the launch site for the ] ].
] |name = Space Launch Complex 37
|image = NROL-37 launch tower view.jpg
The first launch to utilise the complex was the ] unmanned test of the Saturn I ]. It was closed in ], following the final unmanned ] flight, ], but re-opened in ] as a ] launch site. The most recent launch from it was that of the ] weather satellite atop a ''Delta IV Medium+ (4,2)'' rocket, on ], ].
|caption = ] lifts off from SLC-37B in June 2016 carrying ]
|site = ]
|location = {{coord|28.531986|-80.566821|region:US-FL_type:landmark|display=title,inline|format=dms}}
|short = SLC-37
| utc_offset = −05:00
| time_zone = ]
| utc_offset_DST = −04:00
| time_zone_DST = ]
| operator = ]
|tlaunches = 43
|inclination = 28° - 57°
| paddetails = {{Infobox launch pad/pad
| designation = LC-37A
| status = Demolished
| launches = None
| first = Unused
| rockets = ], ]
}}{{Infobox launch pad/pad
| designation = SLC-37B
| status = Inactive
| launches = 43
| first = 29 January 1964
| first_details = ] (])
| last = 9 April 2024
| last_details = ] (])
| rockets = Proposed: ]<ref name=":0" /><br />Retired: ], ], ]
}} }}
'''Space Launch Complex 37'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://planet4589.org/space/jsr/back/news.350|title=Issue 350|last=McDowell|first=Jonathan|date=1998-02-22|work=Jonathan's Space Report|publisher=Jonathan's Space Page|access-date=2009-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100503232748/http://planet4589.org/space/jsr/back/news.350|archive-date=2010-05-03|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.afspc.af.mil/news/story_print.asp?id=123074967|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930065914/http://www.afspc.af.mil/news/story_print.asp?id=123074967|url-status=dead|title=Delta-IV Heavy to launch last DSP satellite|archivedate=September 30, 2011|website=www.afspc.af.mil}}</ref> ('''SLC-37'''), previously '''Launch Complex 37''' ('''LC-37'''), is a launch complex on ], Florida. Construction began in 1959 and the site was accepted by ] to support the ] program in 1963.<ref name=FAS>{{cite web |url=https://fas.org/spp/military/facility/ccas-lc-37.htm |title=Complex 37 -- Cape Canaveral Air Station |access-date=2008-05-28 |publisher=Federation of American Scientists (www.fas.org) |date=2000-06-16 |archive-date=2008-04-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420093207/http://www.fas.org/spp/military/facility/ccas-lc-37.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref> The complex consists of two launch pads. LC-37A has never been used, but LC-37B launched seven uncrewed Saturn&nbsp;I flights (1964 to 1965) and was modified and launched two ] flights (1966 to 1968), including the first (uncrewed) test of the ] in space (]).<ref name=FAS /> It was deactivated in 1972. In 2001 it was modified as the launch site for ] and used for 35 Delta IV launches ending in 2024.


The original layout of the launch complex featured one Mobile Service Structure which could be used to service or mate a rocket on either LC-37A or 37B, but not on both simultaneously. The Delta IV Mobile Service Tower is {{convert|330|ft|abbr=on}} tall, and fitted to service all Delta IV configurations, including the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2000/news_release_000302h.html |title=Boeing, Raytheon Top Off Nation's Newest Launch Tower |date=March 2, 2000 |publisher=Boeing |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202004817/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2000/news_release_000302h.html |archive-date=2008-12-02 }}</ref> Plans are being proposed for ] operations from LC-37 in near future, as the ]'s last rocket, i.e., ] retired in April 2024.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Space Force Starship EIS – Environmental Impact Statement for SpaceX Starship-Super Heavy Operations at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station |url=https://spaceforcestarshipeis.com/ |access-date=2024-02-16 |language=en-US}}</ref> The draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the ] is due in December 2024, with a final study by September 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Mark |date=2024-03-17 |title=Starship Coming to Florida |url=https://www.hernandosun.com/2024/03/17/starship-coming-to-florida/ |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=Hernando Sun |language=en-US}}</ref>
LC-37A is one of the sites under consideration, along with ] and the unbuilt ], for the launch site of the ] rocket, part of ].


== Launch history ==
The original layout of the launch complex featured one MSS which could be used to service or mate a rocket on either LC-37A or B, but not on both simultaniously.
=== Rocket configuration ===


{{ #invoke:Chart | bar chart
<!--To be added:
| float = center
==Launch History==
| width = 600
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
| height = 400
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
| stack = 1
! Date
| group 1 = 3: 3:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0 <!-- Saturn&nbsp;I -->
! Time
| group 2 = 0: 0:1:0:1:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0 <!-- Saturn&nbsp;IB -->
! Launch Vehicle
| group 3 = 0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:1:2:0: 0:1:0:0:2: 2:2:2:2:3: 2:2:1:0:2: 0:0:0:0:0 <!-- Delta IV -->
! Payload
| group 4 = 0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:1: 0:0:1:0:1: 1:0:1:0:1: 0:1:0:1:0: 1:0:0:1:1 <!-- Delta IV Heavy -->
! Operator
| colors = LightGrey : Grey : Turquoise : DarkCyan
! Mission/Function
| group names = ] : ] : ] : ]
! Remarks
| x legends = 1964 :::: 1968 :: 2000 ::::: 2005 ::::: 2010 ::::: 2015 ::::: 2020 ::::
|- -->
| units suffix = _launches
}}


==See Also== === Saturn ===
] at LC-37B in 1968]]
All flights operated by NASA.
{{sticky header}}
{| class="wikitable sticky-header"
! Date !! Vehicle !! Mission !! Payload !! Remarks
|-
| Jan. 29, 1964 || Saturn&nbsp;I || ] || ''none'' || First live ] second stage
|-
| May 28, 1964 || Saturn&nbsp;I || ] || BP-13 ] ] || First boilerplate CSM
|-
| Sept. 18, 1964 || Saturn&nbsp;I || ] || BP-15 boilerplate CSM ||
|-
| Feb. 16, 1965 || Saturn&nbsp;I || ] || ] and BP-16 boilerplate CSM || rowspan="3"|Pegasus satellites studied ] impacts
|-
| May 25, 1965 || Saturn&nbsp;I || ] || ] and BP-26 boilerplate CSM
|-
| July 30, 1965 || Saturn&nbsp;I || ] || ] and BP-9A boilerplate CSM
|-
| July 5, 1966 || Saturn&nbsp;IB || ] || ''none'' || Test of ] second stage; informally called Apollo 3
|-
| Jan. 22, 1968 || Saturn&nbsp;IB || ] || LM-1 || First uncrewed orbital test of the ]
|}

=== Delta ===
In 1998, Boeing secured the right to use SLC-37 for launch of the Delta IV rocket family. Facility modifications were made to SLC-37B and the first launch occurred in 2002. Boeing turned the Delta IV operations over to ] (ULA) in 2006. The ] was launched from SLC-37 from 2002 until 2022,<ref>{{cite web |title=Delta IV Medium's well-earned retirement with GPS finale|date=22 August 2019 |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/08/delta-iv-medium-retirement-gps-finale/ |access-date=September 30, 2023 |publisher=NASASpaceflight}}</ref> and the ] from 2004 to 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Launch Complex 37 |url=https://ccspacemuseum.org/facilities/launch-complex-37/ |access-date=September 30, 2023 |publisher=Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum}}</ref>
{{sticky header}}
{| class="wikitable sticky-header"
!Date (])
!Vehicle
!Payload<ref name="Gunter's Space Page2">{{cite web |last1=Krebs |first1=Gunter |title=Delta-4 |url=http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/delta-4.htm |access-date=15 March 2018 |publisher=Gunter's Space Page}}</ref>
!Launch outcome<ref name="Gunter's Space Page2" />
|-
| 20 November 2002 || ] || ] || {{Success}}<ref name=delta293>{{cite web|url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/delta4/021120launch/|title=Boeing's Delta 4 rocket debuts successfully|date=November 20, 2002|publisher=Spaceflight Now}}</ref>
|-
| 11 March 2003 || ] || USA-167 (] A3) || {{Success}}<ref name=delta296>{{cite web|url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d296/|title=Delta 4 rocket successfully begins military service|date=March 10, 2003|publisher=Spaceflight Now}}</ref>
|-
| 29 August 2003 || ] || USA-170 (DSCS-3 B6) || {{Success}}<ref name=delta301>{{cite web|url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d300/|title=Delta 4 rocket delivers last Air Force DSCS satellite|date=August 29, 2003|publisher=Spaceflight Now}}</ref>
|-
| 21 December 2004 || ] || ], ] / ] and ] / ] || {{Partial failure}}{{efn|] underperformed, lower orbit than planned}}
|-
| 24 May 2006 || ] || ] (GOES-13) || {{Success}}<ref name=delta315>{{cite web|url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d315/|title=Weather observatory for Americas ascends to space|date=May 24, 2006|publisher=Spaceflight Now}}</ref>
|-
| 11 November 2007 || ] || ] Defense Support Program || {{Success}}
|-
| 18 January 2009 || ] || ] (] / ]) || {{Success}}
|-
| 27 June 2009 || ] || ] (GOES-14) || {{Success}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/releases/2009/release-20090627.html |title=NASA and NOAA's GOES-O Satellite Successfully Launched |date=2009-06-27 |publisher=NASA KSC |access-date=2024-07-14 |archive-date=2009-06-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629053451/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/releases/2009/release-20090627.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| 6 December 2009 || ] || ] (]) || {{Success}}<ref name="WGS-3">{{cite web|url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d346/|title=New communications craft launched for U.S. military|last=Ray|first=Justin|date=2009-12-05|work=Spaceflight Now|access-date=2009-12-06}}</ref>
|-
| 4 March 2010 || ] || ] (GOES-15) || {{Success}}<ref name=d348>{{cite web|title=United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NASA/NOAA Weather Satellite Mission|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/47|publisher=]|access-date=3 February 2013|date=4 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207160150/http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/47|archive-date=7 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| 28 May 2010 || ] || ] (]) || {{Success}}<ref name=d349>{{cite web|title=ULA Marks Delta 50th Anniversary with Successful Delta IV GPS IIF SV-1 Launch|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/50|publisher=]|access-date=3 February 2013|date=27 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207160150/http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/50|archive-date=7 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| 21 November 2010 || ] || Orion 7 / Mentor 5 (] / ]) || {{Success}}
|-
| 11 March 2011 || ] || ] (]) || {{Success}}
|-
| 16 July 2011 || ] || ] (GPS IIF-2) || {{Success}}<ref>{{cite web|title=United Launch Alliance Marks the 50th Successful GPS Launch for the Air Force with the Delivery of the GPS IIF-2 Mission to orbit|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/73/|publisher=]|access-date=16 July 2011|date=16 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207160150/http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/73/|archive-date=7 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| 20 January 2012 || ] || ] (]) || {{Success}}<ref>{{cite web|title=United Launch Alliance Delta IV Rocket Successfully Launches US Air Force's Wideband Global SATCOM-4 (WGS-4) Satellite|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/93/|publisher=]|access-date=2 February 2013|date=19 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207160150/http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/93/|archive-date=7 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| 29 June 2012 || ] || Orion 8 / Mentor 6 (USA-237 / ]) || {{Success}}
|-
| 4 October 2012 || ] || ] (] IIF-3) || {{Success}}<ref>{{cite web|title=United Launch Alliance Delta IV Rocket Successfully Launches Global Positioning System Satellite for the U.S. Air Force|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/121/|publisher=]|access-date=4 October 2012|date=4 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207160150/http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/121/|archive-date=7 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| 25 May 2013 || ] || ] (]-5) || {{Success}}<ref>{{cite web|title=United Launch Alliance Launches Second Successful Mission for U.S. Air Force in Just Nine Days|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/141/|publisher=]|access-date=25 May 2013|date=24 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207160150/http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/141/|archive-date=7 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| 8 August 2013 || ] || ] (]-6) || {{Success}}<ref>{{cite web|title=United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Second Wideband Global SATCOM Mission for U.S. Air Force in Less Than Three Months |url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/150/|publisher=]|access-date=8 August 2013|date=8 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207160150/http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/150/|archive-date=7 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| 21 February 2014 || ] || ] (] IIF-5) || {{Success}}<ref>{{cite web|title=United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches 25th Delta IV Mission Carrying Global Positioning System Satellite for the U.S. Air Force|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/167/|publisher=]|access-date=21 February 2014|date=21 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207160150/http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/167/|archive-date=7 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| 17 May 2014 || ] || ] (] IIF-6) || {{Success}}<ref>{{cite web|title=United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Second Global Positioning System Satellite for the U.S. Air Force in Less Than Three Months|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/ula-successfully-launches-second-global.aspx?title=United+Launch+Alliance+Successfully+Launches+Second+Global+Positioning+System+Satellite+for+the+U.S.+Air+Force+in+Less+Than+Three+Months|publisher=]|access-date=18 May 2014|date=16 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517151604/http://www.ulalaunch.com/ula-successfully-launches-second-global.aspx?title=United+Launch+Alliance+Successfully+Launches+Second+Global+Positioning+System+Satellite+for+the+U.S.+Air+Force+in+Less+Than+Three+Months|archive-date=17 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| 28 July 2014 || ] || USA 253-255 (AFSPC-4 (] #1/#2/])) || {{Success}}<ref>{{cite web|title=United Launch Alliance Marks 85th Successful Launch by Delivering Three Satellites into Orbit for the U.S. Air Force|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/ULA-Delta-IV-Launches-AFSPC-4.aspx?title=United+Launch+Alliance+Marks+85th+Successful+Launch+by+Delivering+Three+Satellites+into+Orbit+for+the+U.S.+Air+Force+|publisher=]|access-date=29 July 2014|date=29 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805021058/http://www.ulalaunch.com/ULA-Delta-IV-Launches-AFSPC-4.aspx?title=United+Launch+Alliance+Marks+85th+Successful+Launch+by+Delivering+Three+Satellites+into+Orbit+for+the+U.S.+Air+Force+|archive-date=5 August 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| 5 December 2014 || ] || ] ] (EFT-1) || {{Success}}
|-
| 25 March 2015 || ] || ] (] IIF-9) || {{Success}}<ref>{{cite web|title=United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Second Mission in Less than Two Weeks|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/ula-launches-gpsiif9-for-US-Air-Force.aspx?title=United+Launch+Alliance+Successfully+Launches+Second+Mission+in+Less+than+Two+Weeks|publisher=]|access-date=26 March 2015|date=26 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160114/http://www.ulalaunch.com/ula-launches-gpsiif9-for-US-Air-Force.aspx?title=United+Launch+Alliance+Successfully+Launches+Second+Mission+in+Less+than+Two+Weeks|archive-date=12 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| 24 July 2015 || ] || USA-263 (]-7) || {{Success}}<ref>{{cite web|title=United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches WGS-7|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/ula-successfully-launches-wgs7.aspx|publisher=]|access-date=25 July 2015|date=23 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160116/http://www.ulalaunch.com/ula-successfully-launches-wgs7.aspx|archive-date=12 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| 11 June 2016 || ] || Orion 9 / Mentor 7 (USA-268 / ]) || {{Success}}
|-
| 19 August 2016 || ] || USA-270/271 (AFSPC-6 (] #3/#4)) || {{Success}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/ula-successfully-launches-afspc6.aspx|title=United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches AFSPC6 Mission for the U.S. Air Force|date=19 August 2016|publisher=]|access-date=19 August 2016}}</ref>
|-
| 7 December 2016 || ] || USA-272 (]-8) || {{Success}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/ula-successfully-launches-wgs8.aspx?title=United+Launch+Alliance+Successfully+Launches+WGS-8+Mission+for+the+U.S.+Air+Force|title=United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches WGS8 Mission for the U.S. Air Force|date=7 December 2016|website=]|access-date=7 December 2016}}</ref>
|-
| 19 March 2017 || ] || USA-275 (]-9) || {{Success}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/delta-iv-to-launch-wgs9.aspx?title=Delta+IV+to+Launch+WGS-9+for+the+U.S.+Air+Force|title=Delta IV to Launch WGS-9 for the U.S. Air Force|date=18 March 2017|website=]|access-date=18 November 2017}}</ref>
|-
| 12 August 2018 || ] || '']'' || {{Success}}
|-
| 16 March 2019 || ] || USA-291 (]-10) || {{Success}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ulalaunch.com/about/news-detail/2019/03/16/united-launch-alliance-successfully-launches-wgs-10-mission|title=United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches WGS-10 Mission|date=16 March 2019|website=]|access-date=16 March 2019}}</ref>
|-
| 22 August 2019 || ] || USA-293 (] III-2) || {{Success}}<ref name=ula20190822>{{cite web|url=https://www.ulalaunch.com/about/news/2019/08/22/united-launch-alliance-successfully-launches-gps-iii-satellite-for-u.s.-air-force-space-and-missile-systems-center|title=United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches GPS III Satellite for U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center|date=22 August 2019|website=]|access-date=22 August 2019}}</ref>
|-
| 11 December 2020 || ] || Orion 10 / Mentor 8 (USA-268 / ])<ref name="SFN202010272">{{cite web |date=27 October 2020 |title=Launch Schedule |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ |access-date=31 October 2020 |publisher=Spaceflight Now}}</ref><ref name="45th Weather Squadron2">{{cite web |date=30 October 2020 |title=Launch Mission Execution Forecast |url=https://www.patrick.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Weather/ |access-date=31 October 2020 |publisher=45th Weather Squadron – Patrick Air Force Base}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> || {{Success}}
|-
| 22 June 2023 || ] || ] (]) || {{Success}}
|-
| 9 April 2024 || ] || ] (]) || {{Success}}
|}

=== Starship ===
In 2024, after the retirement of the ], the FAA initiated an Environmental Impact Statement for potential Starship launch activity from the complex. The draft is set to be released by December 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Mark |date=2024-03-17 |title=Starship Coming to Florida |url=https://www.hernandosun.com/2024/03/17/starship-coming-to-florida/ |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=Hernando Sun |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Photos ==
<gallery>
File:LC-37.jpg|Map of Launch Complex 37 of the 1960s, with original Mobile Service Structure
File:Saturn SA9 launch.jpg|The launch of ] with the ] satellite atop a ], from LC-37B in 1965
File:Launch Complex 37.jpg|LC-37B in 2010, with the Mobile Service Tower
File:Liftoff for a Delta IV Medium+ (4,2) after its launch tower.jpg|The launch of ] atop a ], from SLC-37B in 2006
</gallery>

== See also ==
{{Commons category|Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37}}
*] *]
*] *]
*] *]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]


== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*


{{Merritt Island}} {{Merritt Island}}

]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 15:29, 24 December 2024

Space vehicle launch complex on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida
Space Launch Complex 37
Delta IV Heavy lifts off from SLC-37B in June 2016 carrying NROL-37
Launch siteCape Canaveral Space Force Station
Location28°31′55″N 80°34′01″W / 28.531986°N 80.566821°W / 28.531986; -80.566821
Time zoneUTC−05:00 (EST)
• Summer (DST)UTC−04:00 (EDT)
Short nameSLC-37
OperatorUnited States Space Force
Total launches43
Orbital inclination
range		28° - 57°
LC-37A launch history
StatusDemolished
LaunchesNone
First launchUnused
Associated
rockets		Saturn I, Saturn IB
SLC-37B launch history
StatusInactive
Launches43
First launch29 January 1964
Saturn I (SA-5)
Last launch9 April 2024
Delta IV Heavy (NROL-70)
Associated
rockets		Proposed: Starship
Retired: Saturn I, Saturn IB, Delta IV

Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37), previously Launch Complex 37 (LC-37), is a launch complex on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Construction began in 1959 and the site was accepted by NASA to support the Saturn I program in 1963. The complex consists of two launch pads. LC-37A has never been used, but LC-37B launched seven uncrewed Saturn I flights (1964 to 1965) and was modified and launched two Saturn IB flights (1966 to 1968), including the first (uncrewed) test of the Apollo Lunar Module in space (Apollo 5). It was deactivated in 1972. In 2001 it was modified as the launch site for Delta IV and used for 35 Delta IV launches ending in 2024.

The original layout of the launch complex featured one Mobile Service Structure which could be used to service or mate a rocket on either LC-37A or 37B, but not on both simultaneously. The Delta IV Mobile Service Tower is 330 ft (100 m) tall, and fitted to service all Delta IV configurations, including the Delta IV Heavy. Plans are being proposed for SpaceX Starship operations from LC-37 in near future, as the Delta family's last rocket, i.e., Delta IV Heavy retired in April 2024. The draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the Federal Aviation Administration is due in December 2024, with a final study by September 2025.

Launch history

Rocket configuration

1 2 3 4 1964 1968 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

Saturn

Apollo 5 at LC-37B in 1968

All flights operated by NASA.

Date Vehicle Mission Payload Remarks
Jan. 29, 1964 Saturn I SA-5 none First live S-IV second stage
May 28, 1964 Saturn I AS-101 BP-13 boilerplate CSM First boilerplate CSM
Sept. 18, 1964 Saturn I AS-102 BP-15 boilerplate CSM
Feb. 16, 1965 Saturn I AS-103 Pegasus 1 and BP-16 boilerplate CSM Pegasus satellites studied micrometeoroid impacts
May 25, 1965 Saturn I AS-104 Pegasus 2 and BP-26 boilerplate CSM
July 30, 1965 Saturn I AS-105 Pegasus 3 and BP-9A boilerplate CSM
July 5, 1966 Saturn IB AS-203 none Test of S-IVB second stage; informally called Apollo 3
Jan. 22, 1968 Saturn IB Apollo 5 LM-1 First uncrewed orbital test of the lunar module

Delta

In 1998, Boeing secured the right to use SLC-37 for launch of the Delta IV rocket family. Facility modifications were made to SLC-37B and the first launch occurred in 2002. Boeing turned the Delta IV operations over to United Launch Alliance (ULA) in 2006. The Delta IV Medium was launched from SLC-37 from 2002 until 2022, and the Delta IV Heavy from 2004 to 2024.

Date (UTC) Vehicle Payload Launch outcome
20 November 2002 Delta IV Medium Eutelsat W5 Success
11 March 2003 Delta IV Medium USA-167 (DSCS-3 A3) Success
29 August 2003 Delta IV Medium USA-170 (DSCS-3 B6) Success
21 December 2004 Delta IV Heavy DemoSat, Sparkie / 3CS-1 and Ralphie / 3CS-2 Partial failure
24 May 2006 Delta IV Medium GOES-N (GOES-13) Success
11 November 2007 Delta IV Heavy DSP-23 Defense Support Program Success
18 January 2009 Delta IV Heavy Orion 6 / Mentor 4 (USA-202 / NROL-26) Success
27 June 2009 Delta IV Medium GOES-O (GOES-14) Success
6 December 2009 Delta IV Medium USA-211 (WGS-3) Success
4 March 2010 Delta IV Medium GOES-P (GOES-15) Success
28 May 2010 Delta IV Medium USA-213 (GPS IIF SV-1) Success
21 November 2010 Delta IV Heavy Orion 7 / Mentor 5 (USA-223 / NROL-32) Success
11 March 2011 Delta IV Medium USA-227 (NROL-27) Success
16 July 2011 Delta IV Medium USA-232 (GPS IIF-2) Success
20 January 2012 Delta IV Medium USA-233 (WGS-4) Success
29 June 2012 Delta IV Heavy Orion 8 / Mentor 6 (USA-237 / NROL-15) Success
4 October 2012 Delta IV Medium USA-239 (GPS IIF-3) Success
25 May 2013 Delta IV Medium USA-243 (WGS-5) Success
8 August 2013 Delta IV Medium USA-244 (WGS-6) Success
21 February 2014 Delta IV Medium USA-248 (GPS IIF-5) Success
17 May 2014 Delta IV Medium USA-251 (GPS IIF-6) Success
28 July 2014 Delta IV Medium USA 253-255 (AFSPC-4 (GSSAP #1/#2/ANGELS)) Success
5 December 2014 Delta IV Heavy Orion Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) Success
25 March 2015 Delta IV Medium USA-260 (GPS IIF-9) Success
24 July 2015 Delta IV Medium USA-263 (WGS-7) Success
11 June 2016 Delta IV Heavy Orion 9 / Mentor 7 (USA-268 / NROL-37) Success
19 August 2016 Delta IV Medium USA-270/271 (AFSPC-6 (GSSAP #3/#4)) Success
7 December 2016 Delta IV Medium USA-272 (WGS-8) Success
19 March 2017 Delta IV Medium USA-275 (WGS-9) Success
12 August 2018 Delta IV Heavy Parker Solar Probe Success
16 March 2019 Delta IV Medium USA-291 (WGS-10) Success
22 August 2019 Delta IV Medium USA-293 (GPS III-2) Success
11 December 2020 Delta IV Heavy Orion 10 / Mentor 8 (USA-268 / NROL-44) Success
22 June 2023 Delta IV Heavy Orion 11 / Mentor 9 (NROL-68) Success
9 April 2024 Delta IV Heavy Orion 12 / Mentor 10 (NROL-70) Success

Starship

In 2024, after the retirement of the Delta IV Heavy, the FAA initiated an Environmental Impact Statement for potential Starship launch activity from the complex. The draft is set to be released by December 2024.

Photos

  • Map of Launch Complex 37 of the 1960s, with original Mobile Service Structure Map of Launch Complex 37 of the 1960s, with original Mobile Service Structure
  • The launch of AS-103 with the Pegasus 1 satellite atop a Saturn I, from LC-37B in 1965 The launch of AS-103 with the Pegasus 1 satellite atop a Saturn I, from LC-37B in 1965
  • LC-37B in 2010, with the Mobile Service Tower LC-37B in 2010, with the Mobile Service Tower
  • The launch of GOES-N atop a Delta IV, from SLC-37B in 2006 The launch of GOES-N atop a Delta IV, from SLC-37B in 2006

See also

Notes

  1. CBCs underperformed, lower orbit than planned

References

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  6. Stone, Mark (2024-03-17). "Starship Coming to Florida". Hernando Sun. Retrieved 2024-04-14.
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  12. "Delta 4 rocket delivers last Air Force DSCS satellite". Spaceflight Now. August 29, 2003.
  13. "Weather observatory for Americas ascends to space". Spaceflight Now. May 24, 2006.
  14. "NASA and NOAA's GOES-O Satellite Successfully Launched". NASA KSC. 2009-06-27. Archived from the original on 2009-06-29. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
  15. Ray, Justin (2009-12-05). "New communications craft launched for U.S. military". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 2009-12-06.
  16. "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NASA/NOAA Weather Satellite Mission". United Launch Alliance. 4 March 2010. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
  17. "ULA Marks Delta 50th Anniversary with Successful Delta IV GPS IIF SV-1 Launch". United Launch Alliance. 27 May 2010. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
  18. "United Launch Alliance Marks the 50th Successful GPS Launch for the Air Force with the Delivery of the GPS IIF-2 Mission to orbit". United Launch Alliance. 16 July 2011. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
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  21. "United Launch Alliance Launches Second Successful Mission for U.S. Air Force in Just Nine Days". United Launch Alliance. 24 May 2013. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  22. "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Second Wideband Global SATCOM Mission for U.S. Air Force in Less Than Three Months". United Launch Alliance. 8 August 2013. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  23. "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches 25th Delta IV Mission Carrying Global Positioning System Satellite for the U.S. Air Force". United Launch Alliance. 21 February 2014. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  24. "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Second Global Positioning System Satellite for the U.S. Air Force in Less Than Three Months". United Launch Alliance. 16 May 2014. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 18 May 2014.
  25. "United Launch Alliance Marks 85th Successful Launch by Delivering Three Satellites into Orbit for the U.S. Air Force". United Launch Alliance. 29 July 2014. Archived from the original on 5 August 2014. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  26. "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Second Mission in Less than Two Weeks". United Launch Alliance. 26 March 2015. Archived from the original on 12 January 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  27. "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches WGS-7". United Launch Alliance. 23 July 2015. Archived from the original on 12 January 2018. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  28. "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches AFSPC6 Mission for the U.S. Air Force". United Launch Alliance. 19 August 2016. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  29. "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches WGS8 Mission for the U.S. Air Force". United Launch Alliance. 7 December 2016. Retrieved 7 December 2016.
  30. "Delta IV to Launch WGS-9 for the U.S. Air Force". United Launch Alliance. 18 March 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  31. "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches WGS-10 Mission". United Launch Alliance. 16 March 2019. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  32. "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches GPS III Satellite for U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center". United Launch Alliance. 22 August 2019. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  33. "Launch Schedule". Spaceflight Now. 27 October 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  34. "Launch Mission Execution Forecast". 45th Weather Squadron – Patrick Air Force Base. 30 October 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  35. Stone, Mark (2024-03-17). "Starship Coming to Florida". Hernando Sun. Retrieved 2024-04-14.

External links

Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island launch and landing sites
Launch sites
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Landing sites
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