National Reconnaissance Office director Bruce Carlson said his agency’s new charter, expected out in a couple of weeks, will probably give him milestone decision authority over NRO programs. “I think that’s appropriate because, when we hit the [launch] button, I have to be the guy who says it’s OK to hit the button.” It will also allow the NRO director to call a meeting of the Secretary of Defense and Director of National Intelligence to work out when they give NRO incompatible instructions or requirements on programs. This is of “paramount” importance, Carlson said, if space recce programs are to succeed.
An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing crashed during a training mission in Michigan on Sept. 17. The fighter's sole pilot ejected and is in stable condition at a local hospital.
