45th Space Wing supports NASA launch from Cape Canaveral AFS

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. - A United Launch Alliance Delta II carrying NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) lifts off Sept. 10, 2011, at 9:08 a.m. from Space Launch Complex 17, with Eastern Range support from the U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing. GRAIL includes two spacecraft to study the moon's interior and thermal evolution. (United Launch Alliance photo/Thom Baur)

45th Space Wing supports NASA launch from Cape Canaveral AFS

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. - A Delta II carrying NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) launched Sept. 10, 2011, at 9:08 a.m. from Space Launch Complex 17, with Eastern Range support from the U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing. The Air Force's Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is pictured at left. GRAIL includes two spacecraft to study the moon's interior and thermal evolution. (Air Force photo/Tony Gray)

GPS IIF-2

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket blasts off from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (July 16, 2011) – 2:41 a.m. EDT with the Air Force’s Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-2 payload. This launch marks the 50th successful GPS launch on a Delta vehicle. GPS IIF-2 is the second in a series of next generation GPS satellites and will join a worldwide timing and navigation system utilizing 24 satellites in six different planes, with a minimum of four satellites per plane positioned in orbit approximately 11,000 miles above the earths’ surface. The GPS IIF series provides improved accuracy and enhanced performance for GPS users.

Historic Launch Range Support

Air Force 45th Space Wing Leadership in the Morrell Operations Center Control Room 2, Cape Canaveral AFS, FL, provide flawless Eastern Range support for the successful launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis July 8, 2011. NASA, the wing and their Mission Partners supported STS-135, the final mission of the Space Shuttle program. (Air Force photo/Matthew Jurgens)

The Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) first geosynchronous satellite came to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., March 3.

Col. Scott Larrimore, Chief, SMC's Space Systems Division and Col. Roger Teague, Director, Space and Missile Systems Center's Infrared Space Systems Directorate, brought the Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) first geosynchronous satellite to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., March 3. SBIRS will replace the stalwart Defense Support Program System as a key part of North America's missile early warning and defense systems. SBIRS will provide critical functions for protecting the United States and its allies by supporting four mission areas: Missile Warning, Missile Defense, Battlespace Awareness, and Technical Intelligence. SBIRS is designed to perform these critical missions well into the 21st century.

Space shuttle Discovery launches on final scheduled mission

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery lifts off for the last time from Launch Pad 39A at 4:53 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011. "This is a historic flight, with one of the last Air Force shuttle crews," said Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson, 45th Space Wing commander, Launch Decision Authority for STS-133. "The 45th Space Wing is pleased to have participated with NASA and our mission partners on a safe, successful launch. Congratulations to the team for another successful mission supporting our nation's human space program." (U.S. Air Force photo/Brad Swezey)