The 45th Space Wing at Patrick AFB, Fla., on June 11 helped launch a United Launch Alliance Delta II booster, carrying the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope satellite into space for NASA. Moving in a circular orbit around the Earth, GLAST will study neutron stars and black holes, cosmic rays that interact with interstellar gas, dust in the galaxy, and other phenomena. (45th SPW report by A1C David Dobridney)
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.