45th Space Wing Supports Successful Space Shuttle Discovery Launch Published Aug. 29, 2009 By 45th Space Wing Public Affairs CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla -- The U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing provided flawless Eastern Range support for NASA's successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. The launch occurred at 11:59 p.m. (EDT), Aug. 28th, from Space Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. Airmen, Air Force civilians and contractors from throughout the 45th Space Wing provided vital support, including weather forecasts, launch and range operations, safety and media relations. The wing also provided its vast network of radar, telemetry, optical and communications instrumentation to facilitate a safe launch on the Eastern Range. "The 45th Space Wing is proud to participate with NASA and our mission partners to bring increased capabilities to the International Space Station," said Brig. Gen. Edward L. Bolton Jr., 45th Space Wing commander. "We at the 45th assure access to space, and today's mission is a testament to all the hard work that culminates in a safe, successful launch. This was our 13th successful launch so far this year and we have several more in the pipeline." Space shuttle Discovery will carry the Leonardo supply module to the International Space Station, along with a new station crew member. The STS-128 mission crew will deliver refrigerator-sized racks full of equipment, including the COLBERT treadmill, an exercise device named after comedian Stephen Colbert.