45th SW supports SpaceX’s CRS mission launch

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  • By 45th Space Wing Public Affairs
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. --  The 45th Space Wing supported SpaceX's successful launch of a Falcon 9 Dragon spacecraft headed to the International Space Station from Space Launch Complex 40 here April 8 at 4:43 p.m. ET.

This is the seventh major launch operation for the Eastern Range this year, and this launch is the eighth contracted mission by SpaceX under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract. The flight will deliver science research, crew supplies and hardware to the orbiting laboratory in support of the Expedition 47 and 48 crews.  According to NASA, the flight also includes the Bigelow Aerospace expandable habitat module that will be attached to the space station for testing. In its scheduled return to Earth in May, the Dragon capsule will bring back biological samples from astronauts, including those collected during NASA's one-year mission.

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

"I am proud of the integrated team who worked together flawlessly to make this launch a success," said Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith, 45th Space Wing commander, who served as the mission's Launch Decision Authority. "This mission once again clearly demonstrates the successful collaboration we have with our mission partners at NASA and SpaceX as we continue to shape the future of America's space operations and serve as the 'World's Premier Gateway to Space.'"

 

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