Space Launch Delta 45 supports historic Artemis II mission

Published April 2, 2026
By Second Lt. Christian Malaniak, Space Launch Delta 45

PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- On April 1, NASA's Artemis II mission successfully launched from the Eastern Range at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with four astronauts bound for lunar orbit. This historic moment would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of Space Launch Delta 45 personnel.

There are many steps involved in ensuring a safe and successful launch. From oversight of range operations to planning potential emergency response, members of SLD 45 aim to guarantee all launches from the Eastern Range keep the launch vehicle, range personnel and the local community safe.

Several people wearing camouflage military uniforms and headsets stand in front of computer screens. A man in the background is dressed in civilian clothing. — First Range Operations Squadron Guardians prepare for launch at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., April 1, 2026. Working across joint and commercial partners, the squadron integrates complex range systems to deliver seamless launch execution for national security, civil and commercial missions. (U.S. Space Force photo by 2nd Lt. Christian Malaniak)

A rocket takes off, with fire and smoke plumes beneath it. The launch pad is adjacent to a wooded area next to a body of water. — A NASA space rocket launches the Artemis II mission from Space Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., April 1, 2026. NASA's Artemis II will take astronauts NASA Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover and Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, on an approximately 10-day journey to orbit the moon and back to Earth. (U.S. Space Force photo by Gwendolyn Kurzen)

A standing man wearing a camouflage military uniform points to a computer screen. Another man is seated while looking at the same computer monitor. — Air Force Maj. Kyle Vanya, 45th Weather Squadron assistant director of operations, points at weather diagnostics during prelaunch operations at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., April 1, 2026. Meteorologist expertise in atmospheric conditions and launch weather constraints is critical to safeguarding personnel, protecting assets and enabling successful launch execution. (U.S. Space Force photo by 2nd Lt. Christian Malaniak)

The mission starts before the launch countdown begins. Members of the SLD 45 team are responsible for analyzing specific payloads, launch vehicles and their proposed trajectories to compute hazard zones. These zones span land, sea and air and are crucial to ensuring no person or vehicle is operating within a specified distance of the pad.

"Each hazardous area reflects hours of trajectory analysis, debris analysis and coordination across multiple agencies," said Emma Cusano, SLD 45 flight safety analyst and aerospace engineer. "When it comes to launch, safety is our No. 1 priority, regardless of whether it is crewed or not."

Prior to launch, the SLD 45 Office of Emergency Management coordinates with state and local leaders to develop plans for an anomaly. Taking the hazard zones into account, the office proactively decides on where roadblocks should be placed, how traffic will flow and where emergency response vehicles will be staged in case of necessary response.

"We are committed to doing everything we can in the planning phase to ensure we are ready to execute our emergency response plans," said Air Force Master Sgt. Robert Ridgway, SLD 45 installation emergency manager. "Having effective plans in place is necessary for both ensuring the safety of the local community and the astronauts in the capsule."

The Office of Emergency Management oversees and activates the launch emergency operations center. The operations center's primary function is to survey and respond to any and all potential dangers a launch could pose to Cape Canaveral SFS. Because of the inherently volatile nature of spaceflight, the center remains staffed during launch to act as a node for disseminating emergency information and direction.

To safely get the launch vehicle from the pad to orbit, the 1st Range Operations Squadron and the 45th Weather Squadron are key players in each mission. The 1st ROS is responsible for performing real-time command and control of the Eastern Range. The team continuously analyzes telemetry data, weather and numerous other factors to determine whether a launch is safe to proceed.

The 45th WS supplements the squadron in its uninterrupted investigation of current and future conditions. Weather plays a crucial role in safety and launch success as inclement conditions can damage rockets and payloads. Examining the weather helps to advise SLD 45 personnel on the console.

"Access to space would not be possible without the contributions of SLD 45 and its oversight of the Eastern Range," said Space Force Col. Joyce Bulson, SLD 45 deputy commander for operations. "These contributions enabled more than 100 launches in 2025, and we aim to only increase the pace."

South of Cape Canaveral SFS, the 45th Logistics Readiness Squadron postures airfield support to facilitate the Air Force Detachment 3's human spaceflight recovery team, which plays the role of overseeing rescue forces at Patrick Space Force Base.

"I am extremely proud of the members of SLD 45 and their continued determination in executing the mission. These professionals train day in and day out to guarantee space access," said Space Force Col. Brian Chatman, SLD 45 commander. "They are the driving force to maintaining U.S. presence and superiority in the space domain."

In addition to the components already mentioned that support launch, SLD 45 includes many more teams and organizations that enable space launch from the Eastern Range. As the pace of launches and mass to orbit increases, SLD 45 personnel remain committed to safety and mission success.