>>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. <<

These days, the fact that SLC-17A is located on CCAFS is just a geographical coincidence. NASA pays the upkeep for SLC-17A, and rent-a-cops provide CCAFS/KSC security under the JBOSC contract. Yes, USAF provides weather support. With the way launch services are now procured, actual USAF engineering involvement in launch campaigns is limited to DOD launches.

>>The Air Force provided range safety, but don't underestimate the importance of that.<<

I don't.

I hope you'll pardon my attitude toward USAF, but it constitutes a major factor in the lack of commercial launch business at CCAFS. They make it way too hard for a launch customer or new launch provider to do anything with all their rules, procedures and red tape. IMHO, CCAFS needs to be de-militarized and turn into a commercial spaceport oriented toward customers. Let FAA take over range safety. USAF needs to be a customer, not an operator. That's what NASA is these days.

>>Long time, no post, Kim. Welcome back.<<

Thanks, but it's just another of my sporadic visits. We just listened to the Shrub and it sounds like we're about to get a lot busier...