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This was originally going to be launched from Vandenberg AFB in California into polar orbit to cover more of the Earth. SLC-6 was never used for MOL but was la
by gedy 5y ago
This was originally going to be launched from Vandenberg AFB in California into polar orbit to cover more of the Earth. SLC-6 was never used for MOL but was later rebuilt for the Space Shuttle military flights, which were cancelled after Challenger disaster. I snuck around their back in the 90s, cool place.
- angst_ridden 5y agoI did work at the power station for SLC-6 around that time. As a long-haired engineer, I always attracted special attention at the guard shack - especially the first week of the Gulf War, when I drove in my old Volvo station wagon with peace bumper-stickers. It's kind of strange how much of the natural coastline was preserved by the base and which otherwise would have been built up.
- gedy 5y agoAbsolutely, it's a real treasure. Was so fun exploring before smartphones and digital maps.
- aerostable_slug 5y agoThe wildlife at VAFB is also tremendous, whether you're armed with a fishing pole, a hunting rifle, or just a pair of binoculars. It's an incredible place. Similarly, the exclusion area around Diablo Canyon Power Plant just a bit north is spectacular. I worry what will happen after the plant shuts down. This area's politicians like to sing Progressive songs but they unfortunately get caught up in graft just like other places (the mayor of San Luis Obispo recently resigned in the face of an investigation over bribes for marijuana dispensaries and grow ops).