The National Aeronautics Association has awarded its Katherine Wright Award to Reserve Col. Catherine Chilton for her work as a flight test engineer, test director, and aeronautical engineer, as well as the support she provided her husband, Gen. Kevin Chilton, during his days as an astronaut, reports MSgt. Kate Rust. General Chilton is the commander of Air Force Space Command and the first former astronaut to reach four-star rank. Colonel Chilton serves as the senior mobilization assistant to the commander of the Air Force Research Lab.
The Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital is giving a $150 million conditional loan to Rocket Lab meant to increase the launch rate for its new reusable Neutron rocket, which is slated for its first flight next year.