The California Air National Guard’s 129th Rescue Wing completed the 1,000th “save” in its four-decade-long history. Aircrews and pararescuemen deployed to Afghanistan reached the milestone on May 18 after rescuing an Afghan national policeman who had suffered a gunshot wound, according to a May 20 wing release. “The wing is credited with more than 400 combat saves and nearly 600 civilian saves. In addition, the wing has assisted in over 600 other saves,” states the release. A mission is considered a “save” if the rescued individual was in danger of losing his/her life, a limb, or eyesight. The 129th RQW is based at Moffett Federal Airfield northwest of San Jose.
The Air Force Research Laboratory plans to launch its latest technology challenge next month—a project meant to speed up development of systems that can operate beyond geosynchronous orbit. SpaceWERX is leading the effort, dubbed Cislunar Prime. The space innovation hub is looking for commercial capabilities that could put the Space Force…