LAUNCH COMPLEX 9/10 FACT SHEET

By Cliff Lethbridge

Aerial View Of Launch Complex 9/10 Circa 2018

LAUNCH COMPLEX 9/10

Configuration: Single Blockhouse, Two Launch Pads

LAUNCH PAD 9

Current Status: Inactive

First Launch: November 6, 1956

Final Launch: November 18, 1958

Number of Launches: 11

Vehicles Launched: Navaho XSM-64

LAUNCH PAD 10

Current Status: Inactive

First Launch: August 14, 1958

Final Launch: April 27, 1959

Number of Launches: 9

Vehicles Launched: Jason, Alpha Draco

Launch Complex 9/10 was built in support of the Air Force Navaho XSM-64 missile program. The complex was constructed at an approximate cost of $700,000. Work on Launch Pad 9 and blockhouse began in September, 1953. Work on Launch Pad 10 began in 1955. The facility was accepted by the Air Force on June 29, 1956.

Navaho XSM-64 launches were conducted from Launch Pad 9, a fixed concrete launch pedestal served by a single mobile service tower. Launch Pad 10 was designed to test the ground-based tactical launcher for the Navaho XSM-64. It was a flat pad. Although Launch Pad 10 did support ground-based testing of Navaho XSM-64 launch support facilities, it never supported any Navaho XSM-64 launches. The flat pad of Launch Pad 10 did support launches of Jason and Alpha Draco launch vehicles upon the conclusion of the Navaho XSM-64 program.

The Launch Complex 9/10 blockhouse still exists but it is in poor condition. The fixed concrete launch pedestal on Launch Pad 9 has been preserved and the Air Force gives it a refreshing paint job every few years. The concrete flat pad at Launch Pad 10 is still there but it is not accessible as it is behind the locked perimeter fence at the entrance to nearby Launch Complex 31/32 which is no longer open to visitors.

Launch Complex 9/10 Blockhouse Circa 2020