![]() ![]() Air Force previously partnered with the University of South Florida's Alliance for Integrated Spatial Technologies (AIST) to virtually preserve sites like LC-14 (opens in new tab) by using a laser scanner to survey, map and create virtual models of the historic pad structures still standing at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (then Air Force Station). Astronaut John Glenn: An American hero's greatest moments remembered Cape Canaveral: Launch pad for the US space program Biography of John Glenn: The 1st American to orbit Earth "Offering excess launch property to CLSPs fosters development of new space launch systems and helps ensure a strong space launch industrial base for the nation," the Space Force stated in a release (opens in new tab). Nearly 40 years later in 2015, the site was leased to SpaceX as Landing Zone 1 (opens in new tab) for its Falcon 9 rocket first stage recoveries. ![]() LC-13 supported Atlas flights, including the launch of five Lunar Orbiter missions and Mariner 3 for NASA, before being deactivated in 1978. LC-15 was used as a Titan missile site from 1959 to 1964. In addition to assigning LC-14 to Stoke, the Space Force's Space Launch Delta (SLD) 45 also allocated LC-15 to ABL Space Systems and LC-13 to Phantom Space and Vaya Space. We look forward to adding to its well distinguished accomplishments for America's space program." "Stoke is well aware of Launch Complex 14's historical significance (opens in new tab)," said Black, "and will support maintaining that history in addition to enabling a robust launch program. A spokesperson said that they could not discuss specifics at this time, but pointed to the public comments made by Julia Black, Stoke's director of range operations. It is unclear what, if any, restraints Stoke Space will be under as the company modifies LC-14 for its use. At the entrance to the complex is a large titanium sculpture of the Project Mercury symbol (opens in new tab) (with a time capsule buried beneath it, not to be opened until 2464), and a granite marker engraved with a launch scene was added to the base of the ramp when the site was deactivated.Ī baseball cap with the Stoke Space logo sits on the ground in front of the Project Mercury sculpture at the entrance to Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Other than the pad's structures (including the reserved parking spaces for the Mercury astronauts), a number of monuments now stand at LC-14 attesting to its historic status. The pad's original blockhouse was converted into a conference facility in 1998, with Carpenter and Cooper present for its dedication. The 92-foot-long (28 m) ramp and 22-foot-high (7 m) launch stand still exist, though both have been degraded by the elements despite a partial restoration effort in 1997. The 155-foot-tall (47 meters) service tower that stood at LC-14 since its start was demolished in late 1976. LC-14 was deactivated in 1967 and was declared "abandoned in place" five years later. In addition to the four astronaut flights, the pad was used for 28 launches, including Mercury-Atlas 4 with Enos the chimpanzee aboard in 1961 and seven Atlas-Agena target vehicles for NASA's Gemini program between 19. (Image credit: NASA)ĭeclared a National Historic Landmark in 1984, LC-14 was originally built to test Atlas missiles in 1957. Gordon Cooper's Mercury-Atlas 9 rocket is seen atop LC-14 prior to the launch in 1963. Aerial view of Launch Complex 14 with Missile Row visible to the right. ![]()
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