- Spaceport Florida Launch Complex 46
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Space Launch Complex 46 
An Athena II at LC-46 prior to the launch of Lunar Prospector.Launch site CCAFS (1987-1997)
Spaceport Florida (1997—)Location 28°27′30″N 80°31′42″W / 28.458300°N 80.528400°W Short name LC-46 Operator US Air Force
Space FloridaLaunch pad(s) One Launch history Status Undergoing renovation First launch 15 January 1987 Last launch 27 January 1999 Associated rockets UGM-133 Trident II
Athena I
Athena IISpace Launch Complex 46 (SLC-46) is a launch complex at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station operated under license by Space Florida for Athena rocket launches. It was originally used for tests of the Trident II missile between 1987 and 1989. Following the completion of the Trident's land-based tests, the complex was deactivated.
In 1997, Space Florida began operations at the site, and was opened for commercial space operations. Lockheed Martin launched an Athena II and an Athena I from the pad in 1998 and 1999 respectively. The Athena II, launched January 7, 1998, carried the Lunar Prospector spacecraft which orbited the Moon. On January 27, 1999, the Athena I lifted off with Taiwan's first satellite, ROCSAT-1, carrying experimental communications, ocean imagery, and ionospheric studies instruments.
During the construction of SLC-46, a nearby sounding rocket complex, LC-43 was demolished. Its operations were transferred to SLC-47.
In March 2010, the USAF 45th Space Wing issued Real Property Licenses to Space Florida for Launch Complexes 36 and 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.[1][2] On July 1, 2010, the Federal Aviation Administration approved a Launch Site Operator's License for commercial launches at Launch Complex 46.[3]
On September 24, 2010, the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast was awarded a $500,000 Defense Infrastructure Grant from the State of Florida - to be used for critical communications upgrades at SLC-46.[4]
References
- ^ "Air Force licenses two launch complexes for commercial use". Patrick Air Force Base. March 12, 2010. http://www.patrick.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123194543. Retrieved March 15, 2010.
- ^ Lange, Tina (March 12, 2010). "Space Florida secures licenses for Launch Complexes 46 and 36". Space Florida. http://www.spaceflorida.gov/index.php/en/news/37-news/192-space-florida-secures-licenses-for-launch-complexes-46-and-36. Retrieved March 15, 2010.
- ^ Staff (July 9, 2010). "Space Florida receives FAA license for SLC-46". Space Florida. http://www.spaceflorida.gov/index.php/en/news/37-news/242-space-florida-receives-faa-license-for-slc-46. Retrieved July 9, 2010.
- ^ "FL. Governor Crist Awards $500k Defense Infrastructure Grant for SLC-46". The Spacearium. October 4, 2010. http://www.spaceflightnews.net/article.php?story=20101004153548676. Retrieved October 4, 2010.
External links
Coordinates: 28°27′30″N 80°31′42″W / 28.458300°N 80.528400°W
Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island launch sites Atlantic Missile Range drop zone • Grand Turk Island drop zone • Mobile Launch Area • SLBM Launch Area • Patrick AFB • Shuttle Landing Facility • Cape Canaveral AFS Skid StripCategories:- Buildings and structures in Brevard County, Florida
- Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
- Rocketry stubs
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