According to Orbital Sciences, its Minotaur I launch vehicle successfully boosted a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency research satellite into orbit Sept. 22 from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. The technology demonstrator satellite was dubbed “streak” for the light show DARPA scientists expected it to exhibit upon launch—it did not disappoint, according to news reports. Streak’s mission, says DARPA, is to demonstrate rapid response, short mission life, and technology applications for low Earth orbit, as well as to gather LEO environmental data.
Aircraft readiness will suffer if Congress does not approve some $1.5 billion worth of spare parts the Air Force requested in its annual Unfunded Priorities List, sent to Capitol Hill last week, Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin said.