Boeing showed off the ability of the TSAT (transformational satellite) communications spacecraft to work well with other transformational systems to military program officials and representatives from the Air Force and US Strategic Command. The demo worked through simulated “blockages due to rough terrain, loss of terminals in the network, and fully loaded capacity utilization,” stated a company release. Michael Gianelli, VP of navigation and communications systems, says, “With each review session, we’re pushing the technology maturity and functional operation envelope.” One reason the Air Force said it would revamp the TSAT program into an incremental “fighter block” approach was the technology maturity issue. Some lawmakers are still not convinced TSAT has turned the corner.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.