The 418th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, Calif., recently completed a series of flight tests to see how well a C-17 transport would operate with a different combination of traditional and alternative fuels. Specifically, the aircraft flew late last month with a blend of 50 percent traditional JP-8 jet fuel, 25 percent hydrotreated renewable jet fuel, and 25 percent synthetic paraffinic kerosene, according to an Edwards release. The Air Force has committed to certifying its entire fleet of aircraft to run on a 50-50 blend of JP-8 and SPK by next year. SPK is derived from natural gas under the Fischer-Tropsch distillation process. There is also the potential to derive SPK from coal. More recently, USAF has been testing with the HRJ fuel, which comes from biomass, such as the oil of the camelina seed. (See also Staying on the Alternative Track from the Daily Report archives.)
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
