Air Force researchers are exploring how to get overhead navigation signals in areas where the GPS constellation is limited due to terrain or an adversary’s denial efforts. To that end, the Air Force Research Lab awarded aerospace contractor ITT Excelis of McLean, Va., a $2.15 million contract to begin researching a small satellite navigation payload to augment the current GPS program, announced the company on Jan. 23. Excelis will conduct an 18-month study under the this project to identify ways to increase GPS affordability and sustainment through reduction of payload weight, size, and power, states the company’s release.
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.