The 45th Space Wing at Patrick AFB, Fla., plans to launch the final Defense Support Program satellite from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., on Aug. 28. The United Launch Alliance has readied a Delta IV Heavy Vehicle to receive the 23rd DSP satellite early this month, reports Amn. David Dobrydney. Launched first in 1970, the DSP’s primary mission was to detect ballistic missile launches, but the system proved it had tactical versatility by detecting Scud missile launches during Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
Shield AI has entered the increasingly crowded field of Collaborative Combat Aircraft, this week announcing its “X-BAT” vehicle that stands out from others by having both vertical takeoff and landing capability and supersonic speed.

