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ockheed Martin has mated the satellite bus to the payload for the first Space Based Infrared System geosynchronous-orbit satellite, which is slated for launch in 2009. This successful marriage means that prime contractor Lockheed and payload subcontractor Northrop Grumman can begin system level environmental and acceptance testing. “The integration of this technically complex hardware is a major milestone for the team” developing this “first-of-its-kind satellite,” states Lockheed SBIRS vice president Mark Crowley in a company release.
A recent seven-day exercise sent Air Force F-22s—along with other USAF aircraft—to austere, challenging environments across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Agile Reaper, taking place for the second time after its inaugural edition last year, featured 800 Airmen and 29 aircraft across five different locations from April 10-16, training…