SPACEX MAKES SECOND LAUNCH TO SPACE STATION

FROM: U.S. AIR FORCE SPACE COMMAND

02/1/2013 - CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. -- Space Exploration Technologies' (SpaceX) completed a successful launch of their Falcon 9 Dragon spacecraft, called Dragon CRS 2, from Space Launch Complex 40 here today at 10:10 a.m. EDT with safety and range support provided by service members assigned to the 45th Space Wing.

A combined team of military, government civilians and contractors from across the 45th Space Wing provided support to the mission, including weather forecasts, launch and range operations, security, safety and public affairs.

The wing also provided its network of radar, telemetry, optical and communications instrumentation to facilitate a safe launch on the Eastern Range.

This is the second of 12 re-supply missions to the International Space Station by Space X.

The commander of the 45th Space Wing, who also served as the Launch Decision Authority for this historic launch, praised the work of all those involved in making this launch a success.

"We applaud SpaceX and NASA for their great work; and we also praise the teamwork between our wing and all our mission partners involved in making this mission a success," said Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton, commander, 45th Space Wing.