UNCONFIRMED LAUNCH SITES FACT SHEET

By Cliff Lethbridge

UNCONFIRMED LAUNCH SITES

Due to a number of factors, primarily inconsistent record keeping, a large number of Cape Canaveral launches have confirmed launch dates but unconfirmed launch sites. Vehicles with unconfirmed launch sites include Matador, Snark, Bomarc A, RV-A-10 and Bomarc B. It is very likely that all of the launches from unconfirmed launch sites were actually launched from, or in the vicinity of, Launch Pads 1, 2, 3, 4 and 4A.

Not all of the launches may have taken place from concrete flat pads. Matador missile test launches, for example, were frequently conducted from a mobile transporter/launcher that did not require a concrete flat pad. Snark, Bomarc A, RV-A-10 and Bomarc B were all launched from concrete flat pads and it may be safely assumed that these vehicles utilized Launch Pad 1, 2, 3, 4 or 4A.

It should be noted that in recent years the U.S. Navy has been withholding the names of submarines for certain Trident II launches for national security reasons. As a result, these launches are considered to also be from unconfirmed launch sites.

Date of First Launch from Unconfirmed Launch Site: June 20, 1951

Date of Last Launch from Unconfirmed Launch Site: Active

Total Number of Launches from Unconfirmed Launch Sites: Active