The Space Based Infrared System satellite program survived—barely—its latest cost overrun last year, but it was reduced by two satellites and the Pentagon is seeking a competitor. For 2007, USAF is requesting $673 million to fund development and integration efforts for GEO 1 and 2 satellites and the increment 2 ground system and testing for GEO 1, which USAF expects to launch in Fiscal 2009.
With the Air Force in the midst of its biggest testing boom in decades, the Maintenance Operational Test (MxOT) Division at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., is making sure those tests include an often-overlooked perspective: that of maintainers.