The 45th Space Wing supported Space Exploration Technologies' (SpaceX) successful launch of their Falcon 9 Dragon spacecraft from Space Launch Complex 40 here at 3:25 p.m. EDT April 18.

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

The mission, designated SpaceX-3, is the third of 12 SpaceX flights contracted by NASA to resupply the International Space Station. It will be the fourth trip by a Dragon capsule to the orbiting laboratory.

During the SpaceX-3 mission, the Dragon capsule will deliver about 5,000 pounds of cargo to the ISS and return about 3,600 pounds to Earth.

SpaceX's Dragon will stay attached to the station's Harmony module until mid-May when it will detach and splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California, NASA officials said.

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

"Once again, we are proud to work hand-in-hand with SpaceX and NASA, as well as all our other mission partners in making this launch another success story coming from the Eastern Range," he said.

"We truly have a tremendous team here on the Space Coast," he added.