The Air Force has declared the latest—and last of its model—Global Positioning Satellite, launched into orbit Aug. 17, to be operational, as of Aug. 27. The Lockheed Martin-built satellite, GPS IIR-21(M), joins 30 other GPS sats currently in the operational constellation. This good news bears out the earlier claim by Space and Missile Center officials that a problem with the previous satellite in the series (GPS IIR-20) did not extend to #21. (SMC release)
The nominee to become the next head of U.S. Strategic Command, Vice Adm. Richard Correll, endorsed the production of more than 100 B-21 bombers, echoing his predecessor Gen. Anthony Cotton's view.
