Rockets and Missiles of Vandenberg AFB: 1957-2017

On December 16, 1958, a Thor intermediate-range ballistic missile became the first rocket launch from Vandenberg AFB, California. Established from the remnants of a WWII and Korean War training base named Camp Cooke, the USAF selected the location to operationally test intercontinental-range ballistic missiles over the Pacific Ocean. Over the decades, Vandenberg has seen over 1,900 launches of more than 70 varieties of rockets and missiles. This book chronicles the launches by rocket/missile, launchpad location, and payload. Many never-before-seen photographs illustrate the variety of space launch vehicles used to lift national-security satellites into orbit, as well as the operational testing of the missiles used by United States nuclear-alert forces. The launches at Vandenberg helped drive the technological innovation and deterrence that helped the US win the Cold War. AUTHOR: Joseph T. Page II considers White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico - location of the first atomic bomb test - his home. He joined forces with the Vandenberg Space and Missile Technology Center to help record the base’s launch history. SELLING POINTS: . Vandenberg AFB is the only location within the continental United States that launches operational Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). . The only publication to organise all of the Vandenberg launches into layman’s terms . The information herein is fully vetted and approved by the Department of the Air Force. 207 colour and b/w images