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Let's see, MER was launched from SLC-17A on Cape Canaveral AFS. The launch probably received weather support from Air Force personnel. Air Force personnel probably provided security for the launch facilities.
The Air Force provided range safety, but don't underestimate the importance of that. If people think there was a backlash when we lost Challenger and Columbia, imagine what it would be like if we dropped a booster into an inhabited area like what happened in China back in 1996. Several people died in that one.
Long time, no post, Kim. Welcome back.