Author
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Topic: Polaris memorabilia collecting resources
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Axman Member Posts: 12 From: Derbyshire UK Registered: Mar 2023
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posted 03-20-2023 04:42 PM
I've just added a new category to my collection — Polaris launches along the Eastern Test Range, sub — and I'm struggling to find information regarding these. I know there were 41 US and 4 UK Polaris Submarines (and I know their names and SSBN numbers) but I haven't found a list of dates for first firings. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Either online or in print! Even better would be a resource that gives dates for first firings by crew as well (Blue/Gold, Port/Starboard). Thanks. |
thisismills Member Posts: 488 From: Michigan Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 03-23-2023 08:08 AM
Astronautix is my go to resource for dates of launches, they have a dedicated page for the Polaris program.The alphabetic index at the top of the page can also be used to find listings for other launch vehicles. |
Axman Member Posts: 12 From: Derbyshire UK Registered: Mar 2023
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posted 03-23-2023 11:37 AM
Many thanks for that. I use Astronautic myself but hadn't stumbled across the dedicated page. In hindsight I don't know how I missed it. Thanks again. |
Axman Member Posts: 12 From: Derbyshire UK Registered: Mar 2023
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posted 03-23-2023 11:52 AM
Having spent a few minutes perusing the Astronautix Polaris page, it will definitely come in handy. But it'll be a bit labour intensive sorting through the entries to filter out first firings cross-referenced to the boat numbers - but something I'll quite enjoy no doubt... Or at least, enjoy the end result!But, however, Astronautix doesn't distinguish between first firings of the crews (Blue v Gold). In fact it gives no information regarding which crews were on duty for the firing days at all. So if anybody knows of a source for this additional info I'd be very grateful. |
Jim Behling Member Posts: 1779 From: Cape Canaveral, FL Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 03-27-2023 11:42 AM
That sort of data is not recorded with launch histories. Launch histories are taken from range or missile contractor sources, they wouldn't have any knowledge on the sub crews. You would have to find other sources for crew schedules for the individual subs and correlate them with the launch schedules. |
PeterO Member Posts: 448 From: North Carolina Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 03-27-2023 12:46 PM
The crew details would be recorded in the submarine's log. Many submarines have their own websites, so it may be possible to contact them and ask.In addition, the The Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS) may have some information. That will be hit and miss though; some subs have very lengthy entries, but many are cursory. |