The Air Force on Aug. 1 dissolved its segrated space operations function—the Directorate of Strategic Security or A3S—within the Air Staff. Now, SSgt. Monique Randolph reports that space matters will be handled within operations (A3O), requirements (A5R), operational planning, policy, and strategy (A5X), or other appropriate A-staff just like other Air Force issues.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.