scope:

Introduction.

This Instruction prescribes specific Space Launch (SL) maintenance guidance and procedures to be used throughout the United States Air Force (USAF) and provides senior leadership and management direction for the accomplishment of this mission. This AFI applies to SL maintenance management and mission assurance functions. SL is different from traditional missile maintenance mission areas in that it is a hybrid mission involving aspects of acquisition, operations and maintenance expertise. 

Due to the nature of SL, where individual rocket components are physically mated and electrically connected for the first time at the launch base, launch site operations and maintenance operate in an acquisitions environment as the last stop on the factory floor, where there is significant assembly and testing occurring in the weeks and months preceding launch.