CONR supports successful Space Shuttle Atlantis launch Published May 12, 2009 CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. -- The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Air Forces Northern provided airspace control and manning support to the successful launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis Monday afternoon. Using F-15 fighters from the 1st Fighter Wing, Langley Air Force Base, Va., CONR ensured airspace sovereignty by enforcing the Federal Aviation Administration's 40-mile temporary flight restriction area established around Kennedy Space Center. The TFR minimizes impacts to commercial aviation and restrictions apply primarily to "general aviation" aircraft. CONR identified and redirected one aircraft that inadvertently violated the restricted airspace. Air patrols are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure public safety while demonstrating CONR's rapid response capability. CONR has conducted air patrols throughout the United States since the beginning of Operation Noble Eagle, the command's response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. AFNORTH provided the headquarters manning for U.S. Northern Command's Joint Task Force-Space Transportation System, responsible for the search and rescue of the astronauts and recovery of the orbiter if the need arises. AFNORTH also serves as the operational level focal point for situational understanding and crisis response to space shuttle mission contingencies. JTF-STS provides the command and control of Department of Defense forces during crisis response from the Morrell Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. CONR also deployed the Joint-Based Expeditionary Connectivity Center team to Cape Canaveral to provide an over-arching air picture to the supported entities. Since Sept. 11, 2001, NORAD fighters have responded to more than 2,100 possible air threats in the United States and have flown more than 51,000 sorties with the support of Airborne Warning and Control System and air-to-air-refueling aircraft. Further information on TFRs in place around areas within the United States can be found at www.faa.gov.