45th Operations Group

The 45th Operations Group was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the 45th Space Wing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Until its inactivation in May 2021, it was responsible for managing and operating Eastern Range launch operations, including various launch vehicles like Delta II, Atlas II, and the Space Shuttle. It supported the Department of Defense, NASA, and commercial space programs.

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Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States

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All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.

45th Operations Group Detachment 3 is part of the U.S. Space Force’s 45th Space Wing but reports directly to U.S. Space Command when it deploys for a mission.

GovernanceGeneralValue 2.8May 12, 2020Space Force troops preparing for possibility of having to rescue NASA astronauts

The upcoming NASA mission would be the first time 45th Operations Group Detachment 3 will deploy since NASA stopped flying the space shuttle in 2011.

PlanGeneralValue 3.2May 12, 2020Space Force troops preparing for possibility of having to rescue NASA astronauts

45th Operations Group Detachment 3 has worked on tactics, techniques, and procedures for five years to be ready to support SpaceX Crew Dragon and Boeing.

CapabilityGeneralValue 2.0May 12, 2020Space Force troops preparing for possibility of having to rescue NASA astronauts

Douglas Schiess previously commanded the 45th Operations Group at Cape Canaveral from 2012 to 2014.

GovernanceValue 3.0Oct 15, 201845th Space Wing gears up for surge in launch activity