Air Force Trainees Educated in Space Astronaut Rescue Techniques to Meet Escalating Spaceflight Demand
The Air Force is prioritizing training for C-17 transport crews to support human space flight missions, particularly spacecraft recovery and search and rescue operations. This development comes as the number of crewed space flights is increasing, including private ventures by companies like SpaceX and Boeing, and NASA's upcoming Artemis II mission in 2026.
Last month, a team of pilots and loadmasters from the 315th Airlift Wing, an Air Force Reserve C-17 unit based in South Carolina, received training at Patrick Space Force Base in Florida for human space flight support (HSFS) search and rescue airdrop techniques. During the training, they performed 10 airdrops and 30 pararescue jumps in rough seas and cold temperatures, collaborating with the Hawaii Air National Guard and their counterparts at Patrick Space Force Base.
This training marked the first instance of a Reservist C-17 crew receiving HSFS instruction, according to Maj. Ryan Schieber, the wing's chief of weapons and tactics and HSFS lead planner. Schieber noted that as the number of crewed space flights grows, so too will the number of alerts for HSFS missions.
Detachment 3, part of the First Air Force, serves as the air component for U.S. Space Command's Air Forces Space and manages global contingency rescue forces during launches and landings for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, SpaceX, Boeing, and upcoming Artemis missions. In the event of an emergency, Defense Department forces are on alert for launch, freeflight, and landing, and are prepared to execute searches, recover spacecraft assets, pre-position rescue forces, and provide unique communication support.
In previous missions, SpaceX used its own vessels for crew and spacecraft recovery. However, on March 12, astronauts Butch Wilmore, Suni Williams, cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, and Space Force Guardian Col. Nick Hague are expected to splash down aboard a Crew Dragon following a nine-month stay on the International Space Station. If necessary, Air Force crews will be prepared to assist in the recovery effort due to their specialized skills and the C-17's airdrop capability and longer range compared to smaller aircraft.
The primary difference between HSFS rescue airdrops and conventional airdrops is that they typically take place over water and involve Guardian Angels, combat rescue officers, pararescuemen, and other airmen who handle personnel recovery operations. The C-17's loadmasters are trained to use flares, smoke, and dropping gear like jet-skis and rigid inflatable boats to facilitate the rescue process.
More C-17 crews from the Active-duty, Reserve, and Air National Guard are expected to undergo HSFS training as space programs expand, ensuring the Air Force is well-prepared to support human space flight missions and the safe return of astronauts to Earth.
- The Air Force Reserve C-17 unit based in South Carolina recently received training at Patrick Space Force Base for human space flight support (HSFS) search and rescue airdrop techniques.2.detachment 3, part of the First Air Force, serves as the air component for U.S. Space Command's Air Forces Space and manages global contingency rescue forces during launches and landings for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, SpaceX, Boeing, and upcoming Artemis missions.
- A team of pilots and loadmasters from the 315th Airlift Wing performed 10 airdrops and 30 pararescue jumps in rough seas and cold temperatures, collaborating with the Hawaii Air National Guard and their counterparts at Patrick Space Force Base during their HSFS training.
- In the event of an emergency, Air Force crews are prepared to assist in crew and spacecraft recovery operations, such as the anticipated recovery of astronauts on March 12 aboard a Crew Dragon following a nine-month stay on the International Space Station.
- As space programs continue to expand, more C-17 crews from the Active-duty, Reserve, and Air National Guard are expected to undergo HSFS training, ensuring that the Air Force is well-equipped to support human space flight missions and facilitate the safe return of astronauts to Earth, utilizing technology and expertise from both the Air Force and Space Force.
