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modified Minuteman II booster launched by personnel at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., Aug. 23 was the object of boost-phase data collected by the Missile Defense Agency’s NFIRE (near field infrared experiment) research satellite, launched earlier this year. The point was to provide a better understanding of missile exhaust plumes and the difference between the plume and the rocket body, according to an MDA release. The satellite downloaded the data to MDA operations at Schriever AFB, Colo.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems predicts the new drone it plans to pitch for the military’s massed modular aircraft program will exceed many of the military’s requirements for a successor to the MQ-9 Reaper.