Lockheed Martin announced Monday that one of its Global Positioning System Block IIR satellites has reached 10 years of successful on-orbit operations. The Air Force launched this satellite, the fifth Block IIR spacecraft built, into space on July 16, 2000. It is one of 30 GPS satellites currently functioning in orbit. “This milestone is yet another example of the talented government-industry team dedicated to delivering GPS capabilities to the warfighter and millions of citizens around the globe,” said Joe Trench, Lockheed’s vice president of navigation systems. This news comes just days before Lockheed’s industry team is expected to complete the critical design review for the next-generation GPS Block IIIA space vehicle. First launch of a GPS Block IIIA satellite is anticipated in 2014.
Now Enlisted Airmen Can Stay in Uniform Longer
Dec. 8, 2023
The Air Force is extending the amount of time Airmen can spend at most enlisted ranks by two years, as the service looks to combat sluggish recruiting and balance its force structure. The High Year of Tenure (HYT) program sets limits on how long service members can spend in each grade…