Air Force Reservists supports inaugural flight of SpaceX Falcon 9

  • Published
  • By SSgt Leslie Kraushaar
  • 920 Rescue Wing Public Affairs
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. --  The inaugural flight of Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) Falcon 9 rocket was successful with the help of Air Force Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.

The test launch of the rocket, from Space Launch Complex 40 here June 4, 2010 at 2:45 p.m. EDT, was the first of 15 schedule launches of the Falcon 9.

Wing helicopter crews are responsible for clearing the Eastern Range, the roughly 10-mile-wide by 70-mile-long strip of Atlantic Ocean that extends out from the launch pad in the anticipated direction of flight, or "launch azimuth."

In a worst-case scenario the rocket could shower debris or veer off course so the Reservists scan 1,000 square miles of ocean water for boats and ships.

"The 920th Rescue Wing plays a proud and vital role in the space support missions supporting the 45th Space Wing and the entire space community," said Wing Commander, Col. Robert Dunn. "These types of launches showcase why the 920th Rescue Wing is the world's premiere rescue unit."

Several other units across the 920th Rescue Wing also provided support, including aircraft maintenance and life support. The Reservists must be ready each time a launch is scheduled.

According to SpaceX's web site it intends for the Falcon 9 to be used ultimately to resupply the International Space Station and to possibly provide a commercial alternative for manned spaceflight. There are two additional test launches scheduled for the Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

To date, Rescue Reservists have supported more than 400 launches alongside their active-duty counterparts, but that's just a portion of what these Citizen Airmen are trained for.

The 920th RQW is an Air Force Reserve combat search and rescue unit which performs more than 20 percent of the Air Force's CSAR mission at only 4 percent of the total budget. The Wing is comprised of 1,500 Airmen and flies both fixed and rotor wing aircraft: the HC-130P/N extended-range Hercules and the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter. The Reservists must be ready each time a launch is scheduled.