About this Unit
The 45th Space Wing is a unit of the United States Space Force responsible for managing and operating the Eastern Range, which includes Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. They are responsible for launching, tracking, and controlling military and civilian space missions, as well as ensuring the safety of personnel and facilities during launches. The 45th Space Wing also provides support for the processing and launch of national security satellites, as well as conducting range operations for commercial and foreign space missions. Overall, they play a critical role in enabling access to space for a variety of customers and missions.
Historical Facts
• Established in 1991, the 45th Space Wing is responsible for maintaining and operating the Eastern Range, which includes the Western Test Range and the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
• The 45th Space Wing oversees all space launches from the Eastern Range, including missions by NASA, the Department of Defense, commercial companies, and international partners.
• In 1997, the 45th Space Wing successfully launched the Mars Pathfinder mission, which landed a rover on the surface of Mars and transmitted data back to Earth.
• The 45th Space Wing played a key role in the successful launch of the New Horizons spacecraft in 2006, which eventually reached Pluto in 2015, providing valuable data about the distant planet.
• In 2016, the 45th Space Wing supported the successful launch and landing of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant milestone in the development of reusable rocket technology.
• Throughout its history, the 45th Space Wing has supported numerous satellite launches, space missions, and scientific experiments, advancing our understanding of space and technology.
• In 2019, the 45th Space Wing celebrated its 25th anniversary, recognizing its long history of excellence in space operations and launch support.
• The 45th Space Wing is known for its dedication to safety, reliability, and mission success, ensuring that every mission launched from the Eastern Range is completed successfully.
• Members of the 45th Space Wing come from diverse backgrounds and specialties, including pilots, engineers, technicians, and support staff, all working together to achieve their mission objectives.
• The 45th Space Wing continues to play a vital role in the future of space exploration, supporting upcoming missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond.
