Lockheed Martin has turned over the newest Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 5D-3 satellite to NOAA during a ceremony at the Air Force Weather Agency at Offutt AFB, Neb. AFWA is the primary user of DMSP data. This latest satellite was launched last fall from Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
Space Systems Command has awarded a massive $2.29 billion contract to SpaceX for the “backbone” of its new Space Data Network, a constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit that will provide connectivity for the entire joint force.