The 45th Operations Group's Detachment 3 of the 45th Space Wing trains to rescue NASA astronauts in the event of a mission aboard. Credit: 45th Space Wing

WASHINGTON — Three hours before the SpaceX Crew Dragon launch May 30, teams of combat rescue specialists staged at military bases in Florida, South Carolina and Hawaii went on alert status in the event of a mission abort.

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Sandra Erwin writes about military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. She has covered the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry for nearly two decades as editor of NDIA’s National Defense...