The Air Force has given a $2.7 million award to SpaceDev—the outfit that provided the rocket motor for SpaceShipOne—to develop a large hybrid rocket motor that can produce about 100,000 pounds of thrust. A prototype motor is to be test fired next year. Oh, the 100K thrust is about nine times the capability of the SpaceShipOne motor.
Air Force Academy Leaders Ousted in Shake Up
Feb. 6, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy is getting a leadership refresh after a tumultuous year, with Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind and Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks both set to retire this year and Col. James Valpiani set to come on as the new Dean of the Faculty.

