SLC-46 is a premier launch facility, designed by Space Florida in conjunction with launch industry partners to support a variety of launch vehicle configurations with minimal modifications. Space Florida developed Space Launch Complex 46 as part of a strategy to provide launch capabilities at the lowest cost possible, and can accommodate a variety of types and sizes of launch vehicles. Traditionally, space launch facilities were designed to launch only one specific configuration of launch vehicle.
Space Florida's innovative approach modified the design of the facilities at Space Launch Complex 46 (SLC-46) in order to serve commercial, NASA, and military programs, while continuing to provide a land-based test launch capability for the Navy's Trident II missiles and the Air Force's Launch Test Program / Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) program. The launch site and Mobile Access Structure (MAS) are both available for commercial use. Through an agreement with the Air Force and Navy, Space Florida shares SLC-46 with the Naval Ordnance Test Unit (NOTU).
Specifications
The complex is the eastern most launch site at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) and is an example of launch facilities that could potentially be available for commercial use. SCL-46 is renovated with a launch tower and additional support infrastructure, including six (6) camera mounts, a 7,000 square foot support building, pad lighting, and an underground equipment room. Lightning protection is available at the south end of the pad near the ordnance test area and on Space Florida's Mobile Access Structure (MAS). The roads are in good condition and the area is fenced with security gates. The multi-user pad was constructed with ten-foot diameter vehicles in mind.
SLC-46 allows Space Florida to offer customers a state-provided launch site, whereby a qualified launch company can have access to a commercial launch site (with State infrastructure) for a defined launch period. SLC-46 offers approved vehicles payload lift capabilities for low earth orbit (LEO) in excess of 4,900 lbs (2,227 kg). As of November 2007, Space Florida has completed numerous repairs and maintenance procedures including cleaning, testing of hardware and pneumatics, exercising movable platforms, and corrosion mitigation. Following these recent upgrades and safing processes, Space Florida is in the process of renewing its Federal Aviation Administration Launch Site Operator's License.
Current infrastructure supports launch vehicles with maximum dimensions of 120 feet (36 meters) height, and multiple vehicle / payload diameters between 50 and 120 inches (125 to 300 centimeters). In January 1998 and again in January 1999, Lockheed-Martin successfully launched two Athena rockets from SLC-46. The U.S. Navy maintains the capability to resume Trident II missile testing if required. This flexible dual-use capability exists today.
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Background Information
The facility was constructed in 1985 to support Trident missile testing and Space Florida is currently operating it in conjunction with the U.S. Navy. The state of Florida began use of the area in 1993, and has invested over $8 million in a launch tower, launch stand and other associated support infrastructure. The launch structure is hot-dipped galvanized steel and its work platforms are adjustable in 1-foot increments. Launches
Complex 46 supported two Lockheed Martin Astronautics launches - an Athena-2 rocket launched on January 6, 1998, carrying NASA's Lunar Prospector moon-orbiting probe and an Athena-1 rocket launched on January 26, 1999, carrying the commercial ROCSAT satellite for Taiwan
Space Florida Contact
Pat McCarthy, Director of Spaceport Operations
321-730-5301 ext. 232
Pictures
For more pictures of LC-46, click here
To view an Athena-2 launch, click here
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