Mary-Louise Hoffman
An annual budget plan from the U.S. Air Force would set aside up to $7.1 billion for the military branch’s space programs in fiscal 2016, Reuters reported Monday.
Andrea Shalal writes the Air Force plans to invest $938 million in the research, development and acquisition of a tenth Global Positioning System III satellite.
The budget would also fund a ground control infrastructure being constructed by Raytheon, according to the report.
Lockheed Martin is the incumbent contractor in the GPS III program.
The branch’s proposed budget also sets aside money to conduct up to five space launches through the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle initiative and build a U.S.-made rocket engine.
The Defense Department is slated to review the military satellite program this month, according to Shalal.
