The first of two planned Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) demonstration satellites is at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., for launch preparation, according to a June 22 release from Northrop Grumman. The Missile Defense Agency expects to launch both STSS demo sats later this summer. Northrop’s vice president and STSS program manager, Gabe Watson, said, “This delivery is a significant milestone in the development of the nation’s ability to defend against an increasing ballistic missile threat.” Northrop also developed the ground system functions now resident at the Missile Defense Integration and Operations Center at Schriever AFB, Colo.
A semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone shot down an air-to-air target in a Dec. 8 test supported by the U.S. Air Force, a notable milestone in the development of the loyal wingman-type drones that will join the fleets of the USAF, other American services, and allies and adversaries.
