US Transportation Command’s new command and control facility at Scott AFB, Ill., has opened its doors, consolidating functions previously strewn across the base and offsite. The 210,000-square-foot, three-story building houses TRANSCOM’s administrative offices as well as some activities of its service components, including Air Mobility Command. For example, AMC’s 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center has located its planning personnel in the new $130 million facility, reported the Belleville News-Democrat. Construction began in April 2008 and finished two months ahead of schedule and on budget. The building came about as a result of decisions from the 2005 base realignment and closure process. Among the senior military officials attending the Aug. 12 opening ceremony were Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Air Force Gen. Duncan McNabb, TRANSCOM boss. (TRANSCOM release)
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.