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Location DB > United States > Maryland > Waldorf > NRL Satellite Dishes
 Name
NRL Satellite Dishes
 Viewing Options
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 Database Info
created by Caput_58 on 8/10/2003 8:20 PM
last modified by mentok on 11/5/2008 10:03 PM
 Viewability
Publically Viewable Publically Viewable
This location has been labeled as Demolished, and therefore can be viewed by anyone.
 Overview
 Description
Hidden amongst suburban sprawl, the NRL site is an impressive sight to behold. It is reminiscent of a low-budget sci-fi film. However, it is long past it's heyday and is now being reduced to rubble.

The large dish antenna is said to be 60' across, and approximately 50'-60' in height. There were numerous support buildings, including a barracks and a control room.
 Basic Information
Type: Complex
Status: Demolished
Accessibility: Easy
Recommendation: forget it
 Physical Information
Address
Laurel Branch Drive
Waldorf, Maryland
United States
Owner: Private
  • See a map of this location
  •  Hazards
  • rust
  • unsafe flooring
  • falling to your death
  •  Interesting Features
    - Giant satellite dishes
    - Electronic relics
    - Great views
    - A fun and easy climb

     Security Measures
  • fences
  • locked gates
  • the owner and the caretaker
  •  Historical Dates
    Built: 1967
    Closed: 0
     Required Equipment
  • gloves
  • good shoes
  •  Recommended Equipment

     History
    Built on a former Nike missile base, this experimental satellite facility was commissioned by the Naval Research Laboratory. Construction was completed in 1967. During the Vietnam War, it was used as part of "Compass Link," a project which allowed the Department of Defense to transmit high quality tactical aerial imagery from Vietnam.

    In late 2004, the owner demolished the control and barrack buildings. In 2005, the owner sold the the dishes, not the land, on eBay. The winning bidder was to be given scrapping rights to both dishes and several wooden utility poles. However, the winner of the auction (at a whopping $130) was a historical collector. He backed out of the agreement, leaving the dishes intact.

    Demolition of the dishes began in September of 2007.
     Media Coverage

     Future Plans

     Stories
    Its Gone
    Wed, Nov 5th, 2008
    posted by mentok
    If you Still want to explore....
    Thu, Oct 30th, 2008
    posted by Bry
    demolish continues
    Sun, Oct 28th, 2007
    posted by mrwax
    its being torn down
    Sun, Mar 27th, 2005
    posted by alcides-x


    Add your own story
     Photo Galleries
    Click to view gallery
    NRL Communication Facility
    Sun, Aug 10th, 2003
    posted by Caput_58
    7 pictures
    Click to view gallery
    Our Wasted Tax Dollars
    Wed, Dec 22nd, 2004
    posted by Louie
    5 pictures
    Click to view gallery
    Up & On
    Wed, Dec 22nd, 2004
    posted by Louie
    11 pictures
    Click to view gallery
    New Years Day Trip
    Sun, Jan 9th, 2005
    posted by msb
    14 pictures
    Click to view gallery
    THD January /05
    Mon, Jan 24th, 2005
    posted by The Hitman's Daughter
    10 pictures
    Click to view gallery
    Eye of the Storm
    Sun, May 15th, 2005
    posted by Louie
    18 pictures
    Click to view gallery
    Afraid of heights.
    Wed, Jul 6th, 2005
    posted by radio vicious
    17 pictures
    Click to view gallery
    Interview
    Sun, Aug 14th, 2005
    posted by Louie
    11 pictures
    Click to view gallery
    photos perhaps not already taken...
    Mon, Sep 5th, 2005
    posted by Louie
    9 pictures
    Click to view gallery
    Staggering Heights
    Tue, Sep 13th, 2005
    posted by GotPaisley!
    9 pictures
    Click to view gallery
    Cold Morning
    Sun, Nov 13th, 2005
    posted by SpookyDan
    17 pictures
    Click to view gallery
    The beginning of the end
    Fri, Jan 4th, 2008
    posted by StephiG
    7 pictures


    Add your own photos

    Mark all galleries as Seen
     Web Links
    http://www.history...space/Chapter2.htm
    http://www.mde.sta...s/Waldorf_NIKE.pdf
     Contribute

    Edit this Location
     Moderator Rating
    The moderator rating is a neutral rating of the content quality, photography, and coolness of this location.

    This location has not yet been rated by a moderator.
     Validation
    This location's validation is current. It was last validated by Emperor Wang on 11/7/2008 2:59 PM.

     Latest Changes
  • on Nov 7 08 at 14:59, Emperor Wang validated this location
  • on Nov 7 08 at 7:26, Bry updated a story
  • on Nov 7 08 at 7:24, Bry updated a story
  • on Nov 7 08 at 7:22, Bry updated a story
  • on Nov 6 08 at 1:26, Opheliaism validated this location
  • on Nov 5 08 at 22:03, mentok changed the following: Status, Recommendation
  • on Nov 5 08 at 22:02, mentok updated a story
  • on Nov 5 08 at 22:02, mentok updated a story
  • on Nov 5 08 at 22:02, mentok updated a story
  • on Oct 30 08 at 21:20, Emperor Wang validated this location
  •  Forum Threads about this Location
    New Thread
     SubjectStarted ByRepliesViewsLast Post
    You must log in for this feature to work.recent triptomcatkb09887/17/2007 5:56 AM by tomcatkb
    You must log in for this feature to work.Hanging Metal From Large Satellitementok417093/12/2007 3:24 AM by mrwax
    You must log in for this feature to work.Excellent SiteLouie2163611/12/2005 9:56 AM by daklieb
    You must log in for this feature to work.Accessing this site?Lone Flanger927482/18/2007 10:53 PM by mentok
    You must log in for this feature to work.check out that dishCMH625449/2/2004 3:40 PM by fireradio
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