Former F-22A Raptor test pilot Lt. Col. James Dutton has entered the ranks of space pilots, graduating from NASA’s astronaut training course last month. During his two years with the 411th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, Calif., Dutton racked up more than 350 flight hours in the Raptor—which should prove a benefit in his new line of work. “I think that experience is going to be invaluable in terms of developing a new vehicle, understanding what a moderate cockpit is capable of and adapting that to a space mission,” Dutton said. Dutton’s first assignment with NASA is working on the development of the crew exploration vehicle cockpit, the vehicle that is slated to replace the space shuttle fleet.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth vowed to undertake far-reaching reforms on the way the U.S. military buys weapons, promising a sweeping overhaul of the way the Defense Department determines requirements, handles the acquisition process, and tests its kit. The fundamental goal, which Hegseth underscored in a 1-hour and 10-minute speech…
