Cape Canaveral AFS Launch Complex 5 - , Florida

Ward Dougherty

What a beautiful display and tribute to the history of the Space program.
If you can go on a tour or do an open house like “Cape Day” I would highly recommend seeing this hidden gem if it is open. This is located on Cape Canaveral and is not generally open to the public. This particular location, Launch Complex ⅚ has not often been open. I recently got the opportunity to visit it. It is located south of the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum in a separate building and near the upright rocket still on the launch pad. The outside of the blockhouse building has a large sign with a quote by Astronaut Alan Shepard right next to a metal plaque commemorating him and the sight. Inside the structure has been preserved with signs to explain the various parts and their uses during the launch process. The electronics are protected by plexiglas panels but they are not obstructive and still allow visitors to see all the parts used for the launch. The signs explain what happened at the various areas. The only improvements I would suggest are some door repair for the rust on the door and having more opportunities for visitors to see this location. I think it is wonderfully done and a great museum-quality display that visitors can walk through to get a feel and understanding of the true history of the United Space Space program.

Bert-Jan

To be able to visit such an historic place as a space geek is fantastic. You do need to take the early space tour at Kennedy space center, as you can't just drive up to it as a civilian

Space Asylum

2nd time here and its still one of my favorite sites at Kennedy Space Center!

Deb Pat Burk

Very interesting tour provided by communicator and bus driver originating from Kennedy Space Visitors Center. We toured Space Canaveral and review the history of space exploration and travel from launch of the first satellite in 1958 through present. We saw how space technology had advanced and also imporoved telephonic communications, the use of cameras for less invasive surgical procedures and plans for future space travel to Mars.

Jay Vizcarra

Some real history here folks! Take the Cape Tour to get access to this Launch Complex.
This location is most well known as the launch site for the 1961 suborbital Mercury Redstone 3 flight, which made Alan Shepard the first American in space. It was also the launch site of Gus Grisson's Mercury Redstone 4 flight. Another flight had the famouus chimpazee Ham onboard.
A total of 23 launches were conducted from LC-5 The first launch from the complex was a Jupiter-A on July 19, 1956 and the final launch was Gus Grissom's Liberty Bell capsule on July 21, 1961.

Scott Brown

Mercury Rocket
Toyota Supra

Luis Silver

Great experience

Ellen Lawrence