Reserve Citizen Airmen support planet hunting mission Published April 19, 2018 By SrA Brandon Kalloo Sanes 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 920th Rescue Wing supported a successful SpaceX rocket launch out of Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, April 18. The Air Force Reserve unit, from Patrick Air Force Base, is regularly tasked with clearing the area surrounding the Space Coast launch sites, ensuring safety and security during Space Coast launches. Seasoned pilot and 920th RQW Chief of Safety, Lt. Col Bruce Schuman, flew the HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter used to clear the Eastern Range. Schuman said the mission went very well because of extensive preparation and ideal weather conditions. “It’s a very important mission for the Reserve because it keeps the public safe,” Schuman said. “This was an unmanned flight, but eventually there will be manned spaceflights again and we look forward to supporting those as well.” According to SpaceX’s website, the Falcon 9 rocket propelled NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, which is expected to find new planets ranging in size and structure.