The Air Force aided the launch of six satellites—collectively known as Space Test Program-1—aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V evolved expendable launch vehicle on March 8 from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. One of the satellites was the first Air Force payload to be launched via an Atlas V. The launch also marked the first use of the EELV secondary payload adaptor, which enables the booster to carry six separate satellites. Among a series of firsts, the launch also was the first time the Atlas V has boosted multiple satellites into two different low-Earth-orbits. Two of the payloads comprised elements of a DARPA-Boeing Orbital Express program aimed at demonstrating an on-orbit system to service other satellites.
General Atomics, the maker of one of the Air Force’s first Collaborative Combat Aircraft, has ambitious plans for its family of semi-autonomous drones beyond the FQ-42, including a flying-wing aircraft capable of carrying out both reconnaissance and strike missions. Meanwhile, the Air Force Research Laboratory announced a new program to…