The Defense Science Board says the Global Positioning System constellation should grow to 30 satellites—to offset what it terms the “significant risk” posed by the current reconstitution and modernization plan. In a report released last week (but dated October 2005), the well-regarded panel recommends that USAF develop the next-generation GPS Block III satellites in weights that would permit launch of two sats at a time. That says DSB would help reign in costs that might prohibit fleet expansion. The board also wants to improve the ability for GPS to defend itself against electronic jamming and expand signal availability.
B-21 Raider First Flight Now Postponed to 2023
May 20, 2022
The Air Force says the B-21 Raider won't make its first flight until 2023; about a six-month delay from the last official estimates. No reason was given for the delay. While other programs have recently chalked up schedule slips to supply chain and labor shortages, the Air Force has said…