p, .ExternalClass Italy earlier this month joined the group of nations including Australia, Canada, and Japan that has entered into an agreement with the United States for the sharing of space situational awareness data. During a ceremony at US Strategic Command headquarters at Offutt AFB, Neb., on Oct. 3, the Italian defense ministry signed an SSA memorandum of understanding with STRATCOM that streamlines the process for the Italians to request information gathered by the Joint Space Operations Center at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., states the command’s Oct. 7 release. “We’re delighted to enter into an agreement that is mutually beneficial for our national security and space flight safety,” said STRATCOM Commander Gen. Robert Kehler. JSpOC data support space launches, orbital maneuver planning, on-orbit anomaly resolution, and other orbital activities.
Dozens of fighter jets gathered at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida last week to kick off one of the service’s biggest air combat exercises despite the government shutdown. More than 50 aircraft and 500 personnel are participating in Checkered Flag 26-1.
