Northrop Grumman has completed two ground test milestones for the Space Tracking and Surveillance System, taking the Missile Defense Agency-run program closer to its 2008 launch date. The site for the final ground segment acceptance test was Schriever AFB, Colo., culminating work begun more than two years ago, according to a company release. Schriever also was the site for the readiness test, a 72-hour event that proved the ground system could operate the first two STSS satellites. The system successfully demonstrated surveillance, detection, tracking, and reporting of a simulated test target launch from Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.