Environmental qualification testing of the modernized radar units for the B-2A bomber has been successfully completed, lead contractor Northrop Grumman announced July 15. The laboratory tests validated the ability of the radar’s antenna, power supply, and receiver/exciter module to withstand the extremes of temperature, altitude, humidity, shock, and vibration that they would face in an operational environment aboard the stealth bomber, the company said. The tests also demonstrated the integrity of the antenna design. Raytheon builds the radar units under contract to Northrop Grumman.
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.