Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 14

Launch Complex 14, also known as LC-14, is a historic launch site located at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. It is part of the famous Missile Row lineup of launch sites. LC-14 was primarily used for both crewed and uncrewed Atlas launches. One of its most notable missions was the February 1962 flight of Friendship 7, which carried John Glenn, making him the first American to orbit the Earth. Today, LC-14 is leased to Stoke Space for use with their Nova launch vehicle. This complex plays an important role in the history of space exploration and continues to be used for modern launch operations.

History

Atlas and Mercury

LC-14 was the first pad to use Atlas rockets and had early test flights in 1957-58. It was changed in 1959 to prepare for more advanced launches, adding a big service tower. The first space launch from LC-14 was the Big Joe Mercury test in September. This pad was special because it had the right setup for astronauts to fly. It became famous as the place where John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, launched on the Mercury-Atlas 6 flight in February 1962. After that, LC-14 was used for more Mercury flights and other uncrewed launches.

Restoration

In 1997, efforts began to fix up LC-14. Many people helped with the work, and by May 1998, the blockhouse was turned into a place for meetings. Former astronauts like Gordon Cooper and Scott Carpenter were there for the dedication. The blockhouse now shows old documents, photos, and memories from the Mercury program.

Use by Stoke Space

In March 2023, a company called Stoke Space was given LC-14 to use for their new rocket called Nova. Building started in October 2024, and the pad was ready by early 2026, with the first launch planned for later that year.

Launch history

Statistics

List of launches

All missile tests and MIDAS launches were run by the United States Air Force. All other flights were run by NASA.