Air Force officials have begun test transmissions of the new L-5 safety-of-life navigation signal from the newest Global Positioning System satellite as part of the satellite’s on-orbit checkout phase. The Air Force launched this satellite into space on May 27. It is the first in the Boeing-built Block IIF series. Among its features is the L-5 signal for civil pilots. The initial test transmissions of L-5 began June 5 and will take place intermittently during the satellite’s three-month phase of on-orbit testing. All Block IIF spacecraft will transmit L-5, as will future GPS Block III satellites. (Los Angeles release)
Matthew Lohmeier, who was fired from a Space Force squadron command just two years ago, took another step in his unlikely journey to the Department of the Air Force's No. 2 job May 1, testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee that his background as an Air Force F-15C pilot…