Minuteman Launch Control Delta-01

Delta-01 is located near the town of Philip in western South Dakota. It sits within the boundaries of the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, preserving a slice of Cold War history.

Yes, the facility has been open to the public since 1999 and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. Access is strictly limited to guided tours provided by the National Park Service, which requires advanced reservations.

Delta-01 served as an active command center for the Minuteman II intercontinental ballistic missile system during the Cold War. The three-person crew stationed there was responsible for monitoring the missiles and turning launch keys if a nuclear order was given.

The actual launch control center is located in a heavily reinforced capsule buried 31 feet below the surface. It is suspended on shock absorbers to protect the crew from a potential nearby nuclear blast.