LAUNCH COMPLEX 14 FACT SHEET

By Cliff Lethbridge

Aerial View Of Launch Complex 14 Circa 2018

Aerial View Of Launch Complex 14 Circa 2018

Configuration: Single Blockhouse, One Launch Pad

LAUNCH PAD 14

Current Status: Inactive

First Launch: June 11, 1957

Final Launch: November 11, 1966

Number of Launches: 32

Vehicles Launched: Atlas A, Atlas B, Atlas D, Atlas-Able, Atlas-Agena A, Mercury-Atlas, Atlas-Agena D

Launch Complex 14 was one of four launch complexes built in support of Atlas missile testing. The complex was built at a cost of about $4.3 million. Construction began in January, 1956 with acceptance by the Air Force in January, 1957.

It was modified to support the launching of Atlas-based space launch vehicles. It was the launch site of astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth. After the close of the NASA Mercury Program, Launch Complex 14 was used in support of the NASA Gemini Program, as the launch site of the Gemini Target Vehicles employed during manned Gemini missions.

Although the Launch Complex 14 service tower was destroyed, the concrete ramp and launch pedestal remain intact. The launch pad acted as a storage site for toxic hydrazine fuel for many years, and was totally off limits. Once the hydrazine fuel facility was removed, the launch hardware was made accessible. A permanent Mercury memorial was placed at the bottom end of the concrete ramp near the launch pad. The Launch Complex 14 blockhouse was renovated and currently acts as a conference center. Launch Complex 14 was declared a National Historic Landmark in April, 1984.