Patrick Air Force Base on Cape Canaveral, Florida, is the world's busiest launching facility. It is the home of the 45th Space Wing, part of the Air Force Space Command. The wing's primary mission is to provide support for NASA launches at the Kennedy Space Center and to serve as an auxiliary launching installation.

Patrick Air Force Base most frequently launches the Delta II, III and IV, Atlas I, II, IIA and V, and Titan IV vehicles. The Atlas V and the Delta IV are a new breed of missile called EELVs, of Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles. Most rockets launched carry satellites, which can be either military or commercial. Some carry scientific satellites and other equipment for NASA.

Military and Commercial Uses of Satellites

The military uses satellites for navigation, weather, communications and reconnaissance purposes. Commercial satellites perform all the same functions except for reconnaissance. Satellites also continue to support military operations around the world. They are used by troops deployed in the Middle East, to guide relief operations, and in other worldwide military deployments.

In addition to their launching mission, Patrick Air Force Base has several other core responsibilities. They are in charge of Eastern Range Operations, providing services for space and ballistic launches. They maintain expedition readiness for hostilities or other contingencies. They also provide support for personnel in the form of health care services, security, information systems, recreational and morale activities, public safety, human and financial services, and environmental protection.