The Air Force has contracted with Space Data Corp. to provide a communications system that will aid battlefield communications from a balloon-borne platform in near space. Tests have shown that the system can extend ground-to-ground voice and data communications from 10 miles to more than 400 miles. The latest experiment took place this spring under a program called Combat Skysat. The contract award is $49 million.
The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz on May 7, as the conflict with Iran flared up again—though officials say the ceasefire remains in effect.