The Air Force Research Lab’s Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland AFB, N.M., has a video online showing the rendezvous of the experimental satellite system-11 (XSS-11) with its designated partner, a Minotaur I upper stage. This was not an up-close maneuver operation, but officials do say it takes them a step closer to developing the capability to send a spacecraft out to meet up with and repair another spacecraft. We offer the link to the news release with the video here, but don’t blame the messenger, if you are underwhelmed by the images—look closely.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
