DARPA plans to test-fly a prototype F-15-carried rapid and affordable light weight satellite launch vehicle later this year, and potentially blast a test vehicle into orbit as early as 2016, officials announced. “We’ve made good progress so far toward [Airborne Launch Assisted Space Access’] ambitious goal of propelling 100-pound satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) within 24 hours of call-up, all for less than $1 million per launch,” said Bradford Tousley, DARPA tactical technology director. DARPA worked with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works to mature the technology, and awarded Boeing a contract to design and build up to 12 test articles. Pending the success of a new liquid monopropellant fuel being developed for the booster, DARPA plans to launch an ALASA prototype into space in the “first half of 2016,” according to the Feb. 5 release. Depending on the result, DARPA plans to launch 11 more test-shots in the summer of 2016.
The Air Force has approved Airmen to start training with the EA-37B Compass Call Mission Crew Simulator, BAE Systems announced. The system will provide realistic training and mission rehearsal for EA-37B crews, who perform long-range electromagnetic warfare missions.
