Two Russian GLONASS operators last week descended upon Schriever AFB, Colo., meeting with GPS operators of the 2nd Space Operations Squadron. They were part of a group that included representatives from Europe and Japan, who were at the base to learn about the history and future of the Global Positioning System and its possible integration with GLONASS and future satellite navigation systems. GLONASS—Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System—was developed by the Soviets during the Cold War as the counterpoint to USAF’s Global Positioning System satellites.
The Air Force has finished modifying and testing the new VC-25B Bridge aircraft that will serve as a temporary Air Force One, the service announced May 1. All that’s left now is to finish painting the jet before it starts flying this summer.