The Air Force Research Lab has contracted with Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab to begin initial design work on the Lightweight Electro-Optical Space Sensor. AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland AFB, N.M., will manage the LEOSS program, which, an APL news release, says will serve as a pathfinder for future DOD geosynchronous space situational awareness sensors. APL is to present system requirements in three months, followed by a proposed design in five months.
The Air Force plans to add external weapons pylons on the B-1B bomber, both to increase the number of aircraft that can test hypersonic missiles and expand the Lancer’s loadout as USAF transitions to the B-21 bomber.