Storm Misses Lajes: US Air Force elements at Lajes Field, Azores, in the Atlantic Ocean battened down in the face of Hurricane Gordon, but the Category 1 storm with winds expected to reach 70 mph packed less than half the punch of Tropical Storm Ioke that hit Wake Island in the Pacific. In fact, the Lajes airmen say this type of wind is normal for winters in the Azores. In the end, Gordon weakened and changed course, leaving Lajes untouched.
Space Systems Command has awarded a massive $2.29 billion contract to SpaceX for the “backbone” of its new Space Data Network, a constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit that will provide connectivity for the entire joint force.