Retired Gen. Kevin Chilton, former head of US Strategic Command, joined the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Astronaut Hall of Fame during its annual induction ceremony. Chilton became part of an elite company of 82 astronauts now in the hall of fame during the May 5 ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, according to Air Force officials. The hall recognized Chilton, a 1976 Air Force Academy graduate, for his work in the space shuttle program. He piloted the Space Shuttle Endeavor on its maiden voyage (STS-49) in May 1992; during the mission, he performed a space walk with two colleagues to repair a non-functioning satellite. Chilton also piloted a later Endeavor mission (STS-59) in April 1994 that conducted radar imaging to map parts of the world for climate research. He commanded the Space Shuttle Atlantis during his third mission (STS-76) in March 1996, during which the shuttle docked with the Russian Mir space station. Chilton retired from the Air Force in February 2011. (Colorado Springs report by Don Branum)
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.