The Air Force and its industry partners successfully launch the first Global Positioning System Block IIF satellite into space aboard a Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The Boeing-built spacecraft features a more robust and higher power military signal-first included on GPS Block IIR-M satellites-and a new L5 civil signal for aviation safety of flight.
In a nighttime ceremony contrived to continue concealment of many of its features, the new B-21 bomber rolled out of Northrop Grumman's Palmdale, Calif. plant Dec. 2. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the aircraft's advanced technology represents "deterrence, the American way."