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.
Air Force exercises in the Indo-Pacific may soon get even bigger and more robust, as lawmakers move to invest more than $620 million in such efforts. The bulk of that money, contained in a $150 billion reconciliation package currently making its way through Congress, is $532.6 million for earmarked for…