The work of Space Force officers, who are responsible for overseeing each launch on the Space Coast, changed hands.
Brig. General Christine Panzenhagen handed out some of her duties, including the role of commander for space launches.
The command-making change ended the run on June 26th as leader of the Canaveral Space Force at the Patrick Space Force Base and Cape of Cape, which oversaw the traditional passage of space systems director Lieutenant General Philip Gallant and the iconic pennant, Guyn, and as the leader of the Canaveral Space Force at the Patrick Space Force base and Cape.
She came to Space Coast in June 2023, but also took on the role of director of space systems launch and scope operations from Patrick SFB.
She buried the boots of Major General Stephen Purdy, who played a role from 2021 to 2023.
Panzenhagen oversaw 72 missions in the 2023 record release year, the top of the 93 that flew 93 in 2024. Earlier in the year, Panzenhagen said the Space Force was prepared to support 13 launches per month if necessary.
Chatman’s latest post is the assistant director of the Space Systems Engineering Department, assistant secretary for the Air Force for Air Force acquisition and integration.
“As Commander of the SLD 45, he operates the busiest spaceports in the world and is responsible for providing infrastructure, operation and support for all Eastern Range launches and test missions.” “As Director of the Eastern Range, he is responsible for the safety of launches and test operations in a 15 million square mile region.”
He was commissioned through the Reserve Officers Training Corps at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.
“His main duties include special operations information, acquisition program management for aircraft and space systems, space operations, and operational liaison between the intelligence reporting community, special operations community, and the Air Force and Space Force acquisition community,” his bio reads.
His experience includes missions to the National Reconnasance Office, Space Systems Center and the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, running $1.2 billion programs for 15 Top National Priority Classification Programs and directing over 500 governments and contractors.
He previously served as deputy commander of the 30th Operations Group at Vandenburg Air Base, which includes space operations in the West.
Space Force has not announced who will become the new executive officer for guaranteed access to space, or what Panzenhagen’s new mission is.
Original issue: July 6, 2025 7am EDT
