The first Space Based Infrared System early warning satellite, dubbed GEO-1, is now ready for environmental testing after engineers successfully completed a comprehensive phase of integrated baseline tests, Lockheed Martin, the satellite’s manufacturer, announced April 30. “I am proud of our entire team for completing this significant milestone ahead of the planned schedule,” said Air Force Col. Roger Teague, commander of SBIRS Wing at Los Angeles AFB, Calif. The baseline integrated system test phase began in early March to characterize the performance of the satellite and establish a performance baseline for entering the environmental testing. The engineers will now add the satellite’s solar arrays, deployable light shade, and thermal blankets to the GEO-1 bus and prepare the satellite for acoustic and pyroshock testing. The Air Force plans to launch SBISRS GEO-1 into orbit in late 2009.
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.