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.
Amid a high-profile recruiting crisis, Air Force leaders and experts have increasingly noted the challenging long-term trends the service will face in enticing young Americans to sign up—decreasing eligibility to serve, less propensity to do so, and less familiarity with the military. But while those same leaders say there’s no “silver…