By 45th Space Wing Public Affairs / Published March 07, 2016

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CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. (AFNS) -- The 45th Space Wing supported the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch of the SES-9 communications satellite March 4 from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.



SES-9 was built by Boeing Satellite Systems and is designed to operate for 15 years in geosynchronous orbit. The satellite increases SES's global video capabilities in Asia, Indonesia and the Philippines, and is also designed to deliver reliable data connectivity across Asia while providing support to growing mobility communications needs across the Indian Ocean, according to an SES release.



A combined team of military, government civilians and contractors from across the 45th SW provided support to the mission, including weather forecasts, launch and range operations, security, safety and public affairs. The wing also provided its vast network of radar, telemetry, and communications instrumentation to facilitate a safe launch on the Eastern Range.



Col. Shawn Fairhurst, the 45th SW vice commander, who served as the launch decision authority for this mission, lauded the efforts of all those involved in making this launch a success.



"Congratulations to SpaceX and the entire team who ensured the success of this launch. We truly have a tremendous space team here on the space coast, and it's my honor to be a part of this mission supporting the commercial space industry," he said. "Assured access to space is a team sport and here on the Eastern Range, we continue to prove we are the 'world's premier gateway to space.'"