Rockets and Missiles of Vandenberg AFB: 1957-2017 (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780764356797)

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
ISBN-10: 0764356798
ISBN-13: 9780764356797
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
Language: English
Published: 05/28/2019
Pages: 192
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 2.70lbs
Size: 11.20h x 8.80w x 0.90d