45th Space Wing Supports First Space X Launch for NASA's Commercial Resupply Services

45th Space Wing Public Affairs

10/9/2012 - CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) completed a successful launch of their Falcon 9 Dragon spacecraft, called Dragon C3, from Space Launch Complex 40 here Oct. 7, 2012, at 8:35 p.m. EDT with stellar safety and range support provided by service members assigned to the 45 Space Wing.

A combined team of military, government civilians and contractors from across the 45th Space Wing provided vital support to the mission, including weather forecasts, launch and range operations, security, safety and public affairs.

The wing also provided its vast network of radar, telemetry, optical and communications instrumentation to facilitate a safe launch on the Eastern Range.

The launch of the Dragon spacecraft is the first of 12 contracted flights by SpaceX to resupply the space station and marks the second trip by a Dragon to the station, following a successful demonstration mission in May.

The vice commander of the 45th Space Wing, who also served as the Launch Decision Authority for this historic launch, praised the work of all those involved in making this launch a success.

"It's our team's pleasure to work on this mission and we applaud SpaceX and NASA for their great work; and we also praise the teamwork between our wing and all our mission partners involved in making this mission a success," said Col. Robert Pavelko, vice commander, 45th Space Wing.