This summer, the 1st Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo., will assume control of the Air Force’s two new Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program satellites, according to an Air Force Space Command release. The Air Force plans to launch the two space-surveillance satellites into orbit on July 23 from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., states the June 10 release. Airmen from the squadron will take control of them following initial orbital checkout and will then oversee the satellites’ day-to-day operations. “This marks a great milestone for the 1st SOPS and AFSPC,” said Gen. William Shelton, AFSPC commander. “With the alignment of the GSSAP mission to the 1st SOPS, we will achieve new synergies within the space situational awareness mission area,” he said. The squadron already oversees the Air Force’s Space Based Space Surveillance satellite and Advanced Technology Risk Reduction spacecraft, both of which operate in lower altitude orbits. (Peterson report by MSgt. Kevin Williams)
DNI: Cyber Is The Common Weapon Among Top Adversaries
April 17, 2021
The top four U.S. adversaries—China, Russia, Iran and North Korea—are improving their military capabilities but relying increasingly on cyber means to challenge the U.S. and blunt its influence around the world, the intelligence community's annual threat assessment says. The report comes amid military tensions with both China and Russia.