The first Space Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) satellite reaches orbit, launched aboard an Orbital Sciences Corp. Minotaur IV booster from Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
The U.S. began extensive air and artillery strikes against Islamic State group targets in Syria on Dec. 19 in retaliation for the killing of three Americans on Dec. 13 by a gunman affiliated with ISIS, U.S. officials said.

