There is life after a Defense Meteorological Satellite Program reaches a ripe old age, according to Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles AFB, Calif. SMC, NOAA and satellite-maker Lockheed Martin just proved that their concept for a “gyroless” flight is possible. Using DMSP-15, launched in 1999 and beyond its design life, the DMSP team demonstrated the satellite could function without a gyro to aid attitude control during a 24-hour demonstration run by NOAA from its operations center in Suitland, Md. DMSP sats normally have two gyros operating. DMSP-15 went down to one gyro in 2002 and has operated in that mode since 2003 as a secondary DMSP asset, but it also has a radar calibration sensor considered a “vital primary asset” for DOD users. The demonstration proved that the DMSP team could maintain the satellite’s attitude—using a combination of data from its earth and sun sensors and yaw-error software—for its radar role even after the last gyro goes.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
