Jeff has been involved in aerospace journalism since the mid 1990s. Prior to joining Aviation Week, Jeff served as managing editor of Launchspace magazine and the International Space Industry Report. He has been the editor and chief of Aviation Week's Aerospace Daily & Defense Report since 2007 and has been a regular contributor to Aviation Week magazine. He received his B.A. from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va.
LYNX SENSORS: The Brazilian navy has ordered six Sea Star SAFIRE III infrared multisensor surveillance systems for its Super Lynx helicopters, for use in maritime patrol and fleet security missions. The contract with manufacturer FLIR Systems also has options for another six SAFIRE III systems. The value of the award was not disclosed, per the request of the Brazilian defense ministry. FLIR Systems has delivered more than 70 airborne sensor systems to the Brazilian military, municipal and federal police, as well as private operators, the company says.
The backshell for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) has arrived at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., as NASA scrambles to get the troubled rover mission ready for its launch next fall. The backshell is half of the two-part Lockheed Martin-built aeroshell that will encapsulate the golf cart-sized rover and protect it from atmospheric friction when it makes its descent to the surface of Mars. The aeroshell is 15 feet in diameter, which is nearly twice the size of the aeroshells that protected the Mars Exploration Rovers.
