The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Dragon spacecraft launches Dec. 8, 2010, from Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., with range and safety support from the 45th Space Wing. (Courtesy photo)
12/8/2010 - CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. (AFNS) -- Space Exploration Technologies officials completed a successful test launch of the Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Dragon space vehicle Dec. 8 here.
Safety and range support was provided by 45th Space Wing members.
"The 45th Space Wing was proud to support this important Falcon 9 launch," said Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson, the 45th Space Wing commander, who served as the launch decision authority. "This is a true milestone mission -- the first time a commercial company has launched and attempted re-entry of a capsule.
"This mission once again showcases the potential for commercial space flight here ... and proves why the combined Space Coast launch team has earned such a renowned reputation for assured access to space," he said.
The mission marks the first of two demonstration flights by SpaceX for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, and was the second launch of the Falcon 9. The first successful Falcon 9 launched in June.
"It was a great team effort from the beginning," said Col. Lee Rosen, the 45th SW Launch Group commander. "Months of diligent testing and processing by the range user and ourselves here culminated in a spectacular launch that will have tremendous impact on the space community for the years to come."
