Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) is a military installation located on Cape Canaveral, in Brevard County, Florida, United States. It is operated by the United States Air Force and is part of Patrick Air Force Base. The station is most notable for its role in space exploration, particularly as the site from which the United States conducted many of its rocket and missile launches, including the first successful American satellite launches.
History
- Establishment: The site was first established as the Joint Long Range Proving Ground in May 1949. It was renamed the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in 1950.
- Early Launches: The first launch from the station was on July 24, 1950, when a Bumper 8 rocket was launched. This was part of a program to test and develop missile technology.
- Space Race: During the Space Race, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station became a key launch site for the United States' space exploration efforts. It was here that Project Vanguard attempted to launch the first U.S. satellite, although Explorer 1 was the first successful American satellite launched on January 31, 1958 from this site.
- NASA Involvement: While initially a military installation, NASA used the facilities at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for numerous launches, especially during the Mercury Program and later the Gemini Program. The adjacent Kennedy Space Center was established in 1962 for the Apollo Program.
- Recent History: In the 21st century, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station continues to be a hub for space launches, with companies like SpaceX and United Launch Alliance utilizing its launch complexes for commercial, military, and scientific missions.
Key Facilities
- Launch Complexes: There are several launch complexes at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, with the most famous being Launch Complex 34 (where Apollo 1 crew members died during a pre-flight test) and Launch Complex 39A, now operated by SpaceX.
- Range Control: The Eastern Range control center, located at the station, provides tracking and safety oversight for all launches.
- Space Force: As of 2020, with the establishment of the United States Space Force, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station has been under the jurisdiction of this new military branch, though its name has not changed to reflect this shift.
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