There is still much Congressional concern over management of two key space programs—the Transformational Satellite and Space Radar—leading the strategic forces panel of the House Armed Services Committee to recommend cutting the Administration’s 2007 budget request for TSAT by $80 million and Space Radar by $30 million. A statement by panel chairman, Rep. Terry Everett (R-Ala.), indicates that the lawmakers support both programs but questioned whether the 2007 plans “were executable.” Air Force Undersecretary Ronald Sega informed lawmakers earlier of the service’s new direction for TSAT—employing a “fighter block approach”—and is working with combatant commanders to better define the Space Radar.
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.