History of Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36 in Timeline
Launch Complex 36 (LC-36) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station was a launch site for Atlas rockets from 1962 to 2005. Used by NASA and the U.S. Air Force, it played a crucial role in numerous space missions. Its operational lifespan spanned over four decades, contributing significantly to early space exploration and satellite deployment programs. After its decommissioning, the complex underwent demolition. LC-36 represents a significant landmark in the history of spaceflight in the United States.
May 1962: First launch of Atlas-Centaur rocket
In May 1962, the first launch of the Atlas-Centaur rocket occurred at LC-36.
1962: Launch Complex 36 launch pad for Atlas rockets
In 1962, Launch Complex 36 began operating as a launch pad for Atlas rockets by NASA and the U.S. Air Force.
March 2, 1965: Atlas-Centaur AC-5 explosion
On March 2, 1965, Atlas-Centaur AC-5 fell back onto the pad which resulted in a major on-pad explosion at LC-36A.
July 1990: First launch of the Atlas I
In July 1990, the first launch of the Atlas I occurred from LC-36 after the pad was modified.
2005: Launch Complex 36 ceased operations
In 2005, Launch Complex 36 ceased operations as a launch pad for Atlas rockets by NASA and the U.S. Air Force.
2005: Final launch of Atlas III from LC-36
In 2005, the Atlas III made its sixth and final launch from LC-36.
2006: Demolition of Atlas-Centaur umbilical towers
In 2006, the legacy Atlas-Centaur umbilical towers of both pads were demolished.
June 16, 2007: Demolition of mobile service towers
On June 16, 2007, the mobile service towers at LC-36 were demolished in controlled explosions.
2008: Air Force committed to lease Launch Complex 36 to Space Florida
In 2008, Aviation Week magazine reported that the U.S. Air Force committed to lease Launch Complex 36 to Space Florida for future use by the Athena III launch system.
March 2010: USAF issued real property licenses to Space Florida
In March 2010, the USAF 45th Space Wing issued real property licenses to Space Florida for Space Launch Complexes 36 and 46 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
2010: Space Florida leased the facility from the USAF
In 2010, Space Florida leased the facility from the USAF to facilitate commercial use of the land.
2012: Development of the New Glenn launch vehicle
Since 2012, Blue Origin had been working on the New Glenn launch vehicle.
February 2015: Moon Express leased the pad
In February 2015, Moon Express leased the pad from Space Florida as a development and test site for its commercial lunar operations.
September 15, 2015: Blue Origin announced use of Launch Complex 36
On September 15, 2015, Blue Origin announced it would use Launch Complex 36 for launches of its orbital launch vehicle.
October 2015: Pad design and configuration not publicly known
In October 2015, the pad design and configuration was not yet publicly known.
2015: Blue Origin leased LC-36
In 2015, Blue Origin leased LC-36 with the goal of developing a new launch site for its orbital rockets.
2015: Blue Origin signed a long-term lease
In 2015, Blue Origin signed a long-term lease of the launch site from Space Florida for launching Blue's orbital rockets.
March 2016: Estimated first launch of New Glenn
In March 2016, the first launch of the Blue orbital launch vehicle New Glenn was estimated to be no earlier than 2020.
June 2016: Blue Origin broke ground for construction
In June 2016, Blue Origin broke ground for the facility to initiate construction activity on the site.
September 2016: High-level specifications for New Glenn unveiled
In September 2016, high-level specifications for the new launcher were unveiled.
2016: Moon Express relocated from LC-36
In 2016, Moon Express announced its relocation to Launch Complexes 17 and 18, allowing Blue Origin full use of the LC-36 facility.
September 2018: Construction of the launch site well underway
In September 2018, construction of the launch site was well underway.
September 2018: Construction of launch complex and engine test facility underway
In September 2018, construction of the new launch complex and engine test facility was still underway.
September 2019: Facility foundation work in place
In September 2019, high-resolution aerial photography showed that facility foundation work is in place, and above-ground steel construction has commenced.
2019: Expected start date of Orbital Launches no earlier than 2024
As of 2019 Blue Origin expected to begin orbital launches from LC-36 no earlier than 2024.
2020: Original intended start date of Orbital Launches
Blue Origin originally intended to begin orbital launches by 2020.
2020: Estimated first launch date of New Glenn
In 2020, the estimated first launch date of New Glenn.
2024: Expected start date of Orbital Launches
In 2024, Blue Origin expected to begin orbital launches from LC-36.
January 2025: First launch from LC-36 by Blue Origin
In January 2025, Blue Origin performed its first launch from LC-36 using its New Glenn launch vehicle.
January 2025: Blue Origin Launch Occurred
On 16 January 2025, the Blue Origin Launch Occurred.
