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.
SPACE MARKETS: Forecast International is projecting that over the next decade, launch vehicle providers around the world will produce 636 expendable launch vehicles worth approximately $48 billion, driven by an anticipated resurgence in demand for satellite communications. Governments should continue to be the prevailing customer, having accounted for 66 percent of total global launches in 2007. Meanwhile, over the same decade defense departments worldwide will invest some $30.6 billion on approximately 95 military satellites, Forecast says.
SPACESUIT SCUTTLED: NASA is canceling its contract with Oceaneering International Inc. (OII) to build spacesuits for the Constellation program, following veteran suitmaker Hamilton Sundstrand’s protest of the upset award with the Government Accountability Office. In June, OII beat out Exploration Systems & Technology (EST), a joint venture of Hamilton Sundstrand and ILC Dover, for the $746 million contract (Aerospace DAILY, July 17). NASA says it is reconsidering its procurement decision after deciding that “corrective action” is needed.
The U.S. Marine Corps’ UH-1Y utility helicopter achieved initial operating capability (IOC) Aug. 8, the service announced, in preparation for its first deployment early next year. After more than a year of training, three UH-1Y helicopters with six pilots and six crew chiefs have reported to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in preparation for deployment aboard the USS Boxer in January 2009. It will be the first MEU deployment with a new type/model/series UH-1 since 1972, according to the Marines.
