VIDEO: 920th Rescue Wing Supported ULA’s Successful Atlas V Rocket Launch Jan. 20
By 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs // January 29, 2017
Reservists cleared eastern sky prior to launch
ABOVE VIDEO: SpaceFlight Insider’s visual team captured this stunning imagery from the Jan. 20, 2017 flight of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 rocket.
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA – The U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing supported United Launch Alliance’s successful launch of the third Space Based Infrared Systems Geosynchronous Earth Orbit spacecraft aboard an Atlas V rocket from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida on Jan. 20.
The Reservists cleared the Eastern Range in an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter prior to the successful launch of SBIRS GEO Flight 3.
This marks the third SBIRS satellite to be launched from CCAFS since 2011 and continues the replacement of the Defense Support Program constellation which has been in operation since 1970.
The SBIRS team is led by the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center’s Remote Sensing Systems Directorate, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. SBIRS is designed to provide global persistent infrared surveillance capability to meet 21st century demands in mission areas including missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness.
The launch is the first major launch operation of 2017 on the Eastern Range and kicks off what is predicted to be a busy year on the Eastern Range.
“Congratulations to ULA, SMC and the entire integrated team who ensured the success of our first of potentially 30-plus launches this year,” said Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith, 45th Space Wing commander and mission Launch Decision Authority.
“Once again, the entire team worked hand-in-hand to make this another successful launch for the Air Force and our nation.
“This launch clearly demonstrates the successful collaboration we have with our mission partners as we continue to shape the future of America’s space operations.’”
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