A strange sight over Arizona in the very early morning recently was just another Air Force Research Lab scientific balloon, according to the Holbrook (Ariz.) Tribune-News, which quoted someone as saying it looked like a “big jellyfish.” AFRL researchers from Kirtland AFB, N.M., launched the large balloon from the Holbrook Airport about 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 9 to test communications signals. AFRL controlled the balloon via long-distance radio waves, sending it toward Kirtland and touchdown at Tucamcari, N.M. Researches plan to make about 100 flights over the next three years from Holbrook, which was chosen due to its wind patterns and open airspace.
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
