4th Space Launch Squadron

The United States Air Force's 4th Space Launch Squadron was a space launch unit located at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. It was active at Vandenberg from 1994 to 1998 and again from 2003 to 2019. It launched various satellites into orbit from the complex of launch pads at Vandenberg.

4th Space Launch Squadron
The Landsat Data Continuity Mission spacecraft launches aboard an Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle
Active1994-1998; 2003-2019
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleSpace Launch
Part ofAir Force Space Command
Garrison/HQVandenberg AFB, California
DecorationsAir Force Outstanding Unit Award[1]
Insignia
4th Space Launch Squadron emblem (approved 31 March 1995)[1]

Mission

The 4th Space Launch Squadron was the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) launch agency for the West Coast. The EELV system is a liquid-fueled first stage Common Booster Core (CBC) that can be used alone, with strap-on solid fuel rocket boosters, or as a configuration of three CBCs acting as a more powerful booster.[2]

History

The squadron was activated at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California on 15 April 1994. Until it was inactivated in June 1998, it launched surveillance and meteorological satellites into polar orbit.[1]

After reactivation in 2003, the squadron managed operations for EELVs.[1] The EELV program was intended to develop provide alternatives to older and expensive heavy-lift launch vehicles, such as the Titan IV. EELVs include:

The Boeing Delta IV. There are different configurations for the Delta IV, which can lift payloads from 9,000 lb to over 13,000 lb into Geosynchronous Orbit.
The Lockheed Martin Atlas V. This system also has different available configurations, and can lift payloads between 10,000 lb and 30,000 lb to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
The Delta II, a heritage vehicle smaller than the newer Delta IV. The Delta II can have up to nine external rockets strapped to its main stage, increasing lift capability. It can send approximately 4,000 lb into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.[2]

Lineage
  • Constituted as the 4th Space Launch Squadron on 29 March 1994
Activated on 15 April 1994
Inactivated on 29 June 1998
Activated on 1 December 2003[1]
Inactivated on 31 May 2019 (in merger with 1st Air and Space Test Squadron as 2nd Space Launch Squadron)

Assignments

Stations
  • Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, 15 April 1994 – 29 June 1998
  • Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, 1 December 2003[1] – 31 May 2019

Decorations
Award streamerAwardDatesNotes
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award1 October 1994 – 30 September 19964th Space Launch Squadron[1]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award1 October 1996 – 30 September 19974th Space Launch Squadron[1]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award1 January 1997 – 31 December 19974th Space Launch Squadron[1]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award1 January 1998 – 29 June 19984th Space Launch Squadron[1]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award1 October 2009 – 30 September 20104th Space Launch Squadron[1]

Launch Vehicles
  • Titan II (1997–1998)
  • Titan IV (1995–1997)
  • Delta IV (2003–2019)
  • Atlas V (2003–2019)

References

Notes
  1. Robertson, Patsy (17 March 2015). "Factsheet 4 Space Launch Squadron (AFSPC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on 27 September 2015. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  2. No byline (1 February 2007). "About us: 4th Space Launch Squadron". 30th Space Wing Public Affairs. Archived from the original on 8 August 2018. Retrieved 8 August 2018.

Bibliography

 This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency website http://www.afhra.af.mil/.

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