The Space Based Space Surveillance system has passed its critical design review on schedule, according to a Boeing release. The Air Force SBSS program manager, Lt. Col. Steven Nussmiller called the feat a “great team effort” that ensures a “well defined and achievable” road to launch—slated for December 2008.
The Space Force awarded three contracts for rocket launches worth up to a combined $13.68 billion on April 4—and the usual players SpaceX and United Launch Alliance have got some competition in the form of newcomer Blue Origin.