Airmen from the California Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing geared up for the upcoming wildfire season by practicing water drops with their Modular Airborne Firefighting System-equipped C-130s and coordination with US Forest Service aircraft, according to a unit release. “The airmen of this wing are passionate about this mission, protecting and defending our local communities, the great state of California, and the United States as a whole,” said Col. David Bakos, commander of the wing, which operates from Channel Islands ANG Station. During the six-day training event in mid-April, the C-130s integrated with Forest Service King Air and Cal Fire OV-10 spotter aircraft, drenching simulated fires in the nearby Angeles National Forest, according to the wing’s April 16 release. Some 100 firefighting personnel took part in the air and ground training. California Governor Jerry Brown (D) in January declared a drought state of emergency. The severe drought brings heightened wildfire risk. Over the weekend, wildfires raged near Corona and Norco, southeast of Los Angeles.
SDA’s Next Phase of Data Transport Satellites on Hold
June 30, 2025
The long-term future of one of the Space Development Agency’s two satellite constellations is on hold as officials study the options for replacing a planned “data transport layer” with one or more commercial solutions. President Trump’s proposed 2026 defense budget...