4th Space Launch Squadron


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

Mission

The 4th Space Launch Squadron is the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle launch agency for the West Coast. The EELV system is a liquid-fueled first stage Common Booster Core 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.

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

Lineage

Missiles