Matagorda
Matagorda Island AFB
Matagorda Island AFB, Matagorda Island, TX (28.33N 96.46W) is a surface base that comes with the default Orbiter installation.
History
Built during WW2 and know as Matagorda Island AFB. The site was one of the early NASA considerations for a launch site before they settled on Cape Canaveral.
After that it was used by Deke Slayton and other former astronauts in a private space venture in the late 1960s/1970s. Several attempts to launch kerosene/liquid oxygen vehicles failed. At that time it had 6 paved runways (longest 8,000'), control tower, VOR (116.4) and NDB beacons.
Matagorda Island AFB was deactivated in 1975.
Today, the runways and taxiways, although infested with vegetation, are in very good condition. There are several structures, hangars, and buildings of various types in various stages of deterioration. Also there is a usable dock and a small port facility.
Pierce Field
Matagorda Peninsula Army Airfield (also named Matagorda Peninsula Airport, Matagorda Club Airfield or Pierce Field (72TA))(28.46N 96.29W) is also nearby.
History
Built during WW2 to support the Matagorda Bombing Range to the west. The airfield had a total of 5 paved runways.
Pads and runways
- Runway 6/24, 1829 x 23 m, concrete
- Runway 18/36, 1524 x 23 m, concrete