Air Force supports launch of NASA mission to Mars

The crew of a 920th Rescue Wing HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter conducts post-flight operations after supporting a NASA Delta II rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center just before 5:30 a.m. Aug. 4 at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. Reservists from the 920th RQW are responsible for clearing the Eastern range before all space shuttle and rocket launches to ensure no boats are in the launch path. The lazy twist of smoke in the early-morning sky is all that remains from the trail left by the rocket, which carried the Phoenix spacecraft on the first leg of its trip to Mars' arctic plain. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Paul Flipse)

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Air Force supports launch of NASA mission to Mars

The Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Phoenix Mars lander lifts off Aug. 4 amid billows of smoke on Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. (NASA photo/Tony Gray and Robert Murray)

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Air Force supports launch of NASA mission to Mars

Published Aug. 6, 2007

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. (AFPN) -- Members of the 45th Space Wing from Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., supported Aug. 4's successful launch from here of a NASA probe that will study Mars.

NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander was launched at 5:26 a.m. Eastern time aboard a Delta II booster from Space Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral.

Several units across the 45th SW played vital roles including providing weather forecasts, assisting with media relations and safety support. The wing also provided a vast network of radar, telemetry, optical and communications instrumentation that helped facilitate a safe launch.

After a 422 million-mile journey, the Phoenix spacecraft should arrive in May 2008. It is scheduled to land in the arctic region of northern Mars and attempt to answer questions such as: Can the Martian arctic support life? What is the history of water at the polar landing site? How is the Martian climate affected by polar seasonal change?

"This launch was a great start for what should be a very exciting mission," said Brig. Gen. Susan J. Helms, the 45th SW commander. "Our Air Force launch crews effectively teamed with our NASA and contractor mission partners. We wish NASA continued success as the Phoenix spacecraft helps unlock the secrets of the red planet."

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Air Force supports launch of NASA mission to Mars

Air Force supports launch of NASA mission to Mars

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