The 45th Space Wing, redesignated as Space Launch Delta 45 in 2021, is a unit of the U.S. Space Force responsible for managing all space launch operations from the East Coast, including those for the Space Force, Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, and commercial space corporations. Operating from Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, it manages the Eastern Range, which provides crucial infrastructure and support for assured access to space. Key partners include NASA, commercial launch providers like SpaceX and United Launch Alliance, and the U.S. Navy.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
The 93 launches supported by Space Launch Delta 45 in 2024 were more than 35% higher than the previous year.
Space Launch Delta 45 supported 93 launches from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center in 2024.
Space Launch Delta 45 warned that debris from the New Glenn explosion could wash up on nearby beaches for days or weeks.
Space Launch Delta 45 supported five distinct types of orbital launch vehicles from the Eastern Range in April 2026.
Douglas Schiess has held roles including commander of the 45th Space Wing, vice commander of Space Operations Command, and commander of US Space Forces – Space.
Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess also commanded the 45th Space Wing, now Space Launch Delta 45, which manages all East Coast rocket launches.
The Space Launch Delta 45 Civil Engineer Squadron and the Air Force Civil Engineer Center led the Skid Strip renovation.
Space Launch Delta 45 traces its lineage to the former 45th Space Wing, which pursued a 2017 “Drive to 48” goal of roughly one Eastern Range launch per week.
Space Launch Delta 45 leadership expects launch activity from the Eastern Range to continue growing toward hundreds of launches per year.
Col. Brian Chatman is the commander of Space Launch Delta 45.
Space Launch Delta 45 is the Space Force successor organization to the Air Force’s 45th Space Wing.
The Air Force’s 45th Space Wing launched the Drive for 48 initiative around 2018 to support an increased launch rate at the Eastern Range, including Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
Col. Hiserote emphasized the importance of forging strong ties with Space Launch Delta 30 at Vandenberg Space Force Base and Space Launch Delta 45 at Patrick Space Force Base.
Space Launch Delta 45 is based at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida and is a United States Space Force unit responsible for managing space launch operations on the East Coast.
Space Launch Delta 45 implemented new processes in 2024 to reduce turnaround times between launches on the Eastern Range.
The FAA will accept flight safety analyses performed by Space Launch Delta 45 for launches from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Space Launch Delta 45 operates the Eastern Range, which includes the Cape Canaveral Spaceport and Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Space Launch Delta 45 at Patrick Space Force Base oversees the nation’s busiest spaceport on the Florida coast.
Space Launch Delta 45 is the Space Force unit that oversees launch operations in the Eastern Range.
Patrick Space Force Base is home to Space Launch Delta 45, which manages the Eastern Range including Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center.