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U.S. Air Force space launch maintenance technicians assigned to the 2nd Space Launch Squadron “Space Cowboys” Flight lowers a Minotaur I rocket strongback back down at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., May 6, 2026. The Minotaur I rocket proof of loading operation was successfully executed, and the operation proved the strongback’s ability to stabilize the lift and utilize its sling rods to manage the weight of the rocket. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman Enso Valle)

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U.S. Air Force space launch maintenance technicians assigned to the 2nd Space Launch Squadron “Space Cowboys” Flight remove the roof from a Minotaur I strongback trailer at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., May 5, 2026. The Minotaur I strongback trailer enables efficient and effective transportation of Minotaur I rockets. Prior to lift operations, a “Space Cowboys" Flight instructor led a safety briefing clarifying the steps and precautions for removing the strongback roof. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman Enso Valle)

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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Preston Garrison, 2nd Space Launch Squadron space launch maintenance instructor, right, attaches slings to a spreader bar at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., May 5, 2026. The spreader bar is utilized to balance the roof of Minotaur I rocket strongback trailer to make transportation safe and efficient. The Minotaur I rocket strongback was created for timely deployment and housing of the Minotaur I rocket during transportation. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman Enso Valle)

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U.S. Air Force space launch maintenance technicians assigned to the 2nd Space Launch Squadron “Space Cowboys” Flight attach support bars to level a Minotaur I rocket strongback trailer at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., May 5, 2026. The 2 SLS Space Cowboys Flight performed a practical training operation to train new personnel for future missions involving Minotaur I rockets. The “Space Cowboys” Flight utilizes a Minotaur I training rocket that is modeled after the Minuteman II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile; the inert rocket simulates the loaded weight of a Minotaur I rocket. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman Enso Valle)

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A U.S. Space Force 2nd Space Launch Squadron patch shows the Minotaur I and Minotaur IV rockets with an astronaut wearing a cowboy hat in space at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., May 5, 2026. The 2 SLS “Space Cowboys” Flight is the USSF’s only expeditionary space launch maintenance team, performing maintenance, transportation, handling and emplacement of small lift space flight hardware across the United States. The 2 SLS “Space Cowboys” flight develops, reviews and modifies procedures to maintain proficiency and readiness. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman Enso Valle)

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U.S. Space Force Capt. Frederick Zering, 2nd Space Launch Squadron “Space Cowboys” Flight flight commander, left, and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christopher Foster, 2 SLS “Space Cowboys” Flight noncommissioned officer in charge, right, oversee a proof of loading operation at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., May 5, 2026. The Space Cowboys are expert integrators and launch facility managers, providing spaceport facility services while specializing in seamless integration and assurance of current and emerging space launch, landing and test missions. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman Enso Valle)

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U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brandin Hill, 2nd Space Launch Squadron space launch maintenance technician, backs a Minotaur I rocket strongback trailer into position at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., May 5, 2026. The 2 SLS “Space Cowboys” Flight performed a proof of loading operation in support for an upcoming Minotaur rocket launch mission. The Space Cowboys Flight uses a Minotaur I rocket trainer to simulate the full weight of a loaded launch vehicle. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman Enso Valle)

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2 SLS Space Cowboys Flight Practices Space Launch Skills

Published May 27, 2026
By Airmen Enso Valle

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. --

U.S. Air Force space launch maintenance technicians assigned to the 2nd Space Launch Squadron “Space Cowboys” Flight successfully lift a Minotaur I rocket within a Minotaur I strongback trailer container at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., May 6, 2026.

The 2 SLS “Space Cowboys” Flight is the USSF’s only expeditionary space launch maintenance team, performing maintenance, transportation, handling and emplacement of small lift space flight hardware across the United States. The 2 SLS “Space Cowboys” flight develops, reviews and modifies procedures to maintain proficiency and readiness.

The Minotaur I strongback trailer enables safe, efficient, and effective transportation and loading of Minotaur I rockets.

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