Air traffic controllers at Edwards AFB, Calif., operating what’s called Space Positioning Optical Radar Tracking, or SPORT, help keep track of aircraft flying test missions in the base’s restricted—and hazardous—test airspace. They often work one-on-one with test pilots, providing information on all aircraft that are in close proximity and air space boundary and weather notifications, among other duties. According to ATC supervisor, Charles Cooper, the SPORT controllers have many years of experience and are highly trained for their test mission role.
RTX, parent of Raytheon, Collins and Pratt & Whitney, is getting out of the space prime business and focusing on its "strengths" as a maker of space sensors, buses, and components, company COO Chris Calio said during an earnings call.