45th Space Wing Airmen support successful Ares I-X launch

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Airmen, Air Force civilians and contractors from the 45th Space Wing provided Eastern Range support for NASA's successful launch of the Ares I-X. The test rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) Oct. 28.

Personnel from throughout the 45th Space Wing provided vital support, including weather forecasts, launch and range operations, safety and public affairs. The wing also provided its vast network of radar, telemetry, optical and communications instrumentation to facilitate a safe launch.

"The success of this test launch helps to pave the way for future space exploration," said Brig. Gen. Edward L. Bolton Jr., 45th Space Wing commander. "We're very pleased to continue supporting NASA and its partners as we write the next chapter in human space flight here on the Eastern Range."

The Ares I is the first rocket developed for NASA's Constellation Program, tasked with developing vehicles necessary to carry astronauts on future journeys of exploration. This mission provided an opportunity to test and prove the new rocket's flight characteristics, hardware, facilities and ground operations.