The 50th Space Communications Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo., is in the final phase of a six-year, $6 million project to upgrade the communications links connecting ballistic missile warning sensors at global sites to North American Aerospace Defense Command headquarters at Peterson AFB, Colo., said Schriever officials June 6. The links are part of the Air Force Space Command Digital Integrated Network, known as SDIN. Squadron members have been replacing SDIN’s 1980s-era “Timeplex” equipment with modern “Juniper” hardware at sensor sites around the world, some of which are in remote locations, said the officials. Mike Hamilton, SDIN program manager, said the Timeplex equipment “was growing beyond its end of life,” creating the urgency for the upgrade. Plus, there’s been the challenge of ensuring there is no disruption of service to the early warning network during this work, said the officials. The squadron tentatively expects to complete the upgrade in September. (Schriever report by Scott Prater)
Celebrating 100 Years of Liquid-Fueled Rockets
March 11, 2026
March 16, 2026, marks 100 years since Dr. Robert H. Goddard launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket. Over the past century, new and ever more capable liquid-fueled rockets have literally propelled humanity into space. Why liquid-fueled rockets?