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NASA’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) stood guard at night next to the massive Artemis II Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. NASA's ERT is a specialized unit at Kennedy Space Center responsible for emergency preparedness and response including fire suppression, hazardous materials incidents, medical emergencies, and launch-related contingencies. Additionally they're present to provide security and protection of high-value assets like rockets, spacecraft, and facilities, especially during sensitive periods such as rollout, fueling, and countdown. They often work closely with other NASA security, KSC protective services, and federal agencies. Having armed or uniformed ERT personnel visibly guarding the rocket on the pad is standard procedure for major launches to ensure safety, prevent unauthorized access, and be ready for any incidents like protests, intrusions, or technical emergencies.