Air Force officials are exploring whether they can leverage alternative energy sources to power the Space Fence, the future network of geographically dispersed terrestrial radars that will track space objects and debris. They haven’t yet determined the radars’ ultimate design, but already know that these massive S-Band systems will demand much energy to operate. “That’s why it’s so important to look at various options for producing that required energy,” said Linda Haines, Space Fence program manager. Notional planning calls for at least two, perhaps three, Space Fence sites, with potential locations in Australia, Kwajalein Atoll, and Ascension Island. On Ascension Island, for example, persistent trade winds might make wind power a particularly attractive option, and save much money over the radar’s lifetime. In October, the Air Force released the request for proposal for the Space Fence’s next phase of development. (Hanscom report by Chuck Paone)
When Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Air Force Gen. Dan Caine described the 150 aircraft used in Operation Absolute Resolve, the mission to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, he referenced many by name, including the F-35 and F-22 fighters and B-1 bomber. Not specified, however, were “remotely piloted drones,” among them a secretive aircraft spotted and photographed returning to Puerto…
