CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION — As our country gets set to fly our own astronauts again from the Space Coast, there's a group dedicated to making sure they are rescued if the worst happens.

Here’s what you need to know about the 45th Space Wing, Detachment 3:

  1. The 45th Ops Group, Detachment 3 based at Patrick Air Force Base, is the only team tasked with rescuing astronauts in a launch emergency.
  2. The group also responds if there is a problem with the capsule after splashdown.
  3. Rescue personnel parachute down to the water, bringing bundles of supplies to help astronauts.
  4. The unit has operated since the dawn of the space age in 1959.
  5. Detachment 3 will be training with Boeing and Space X on their upcoming crewed demo missions.

To learn more about the rescue group, watch the video above.