The crew of the space shuttle Endeavour completes the first International Space Station assembly mission, which involves delivery and attachment of Unity, the first US module, to Russia’s previously launched Zarya module. The crew members also launch USAF’s MightySat I, designed to evaluate composite materials, advanced solar cells, and other technology.
As the Space Force eyes a possible fivefold increase in the number of satellites it operates on orbit, defense officials are looking for ways to shore up the industrial base to support that growth, which is expected over the next three to five years.
