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.
A panel of witnesses all expressed support for the idea of government-sponsored aerospace prizes during a hearing in Washington July 15, although some cautioned lawmakers that they may not always be an appropriate way to stimulate innovation. Robert Walker, chairman of Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates and former House Science Committee chairman, told the subcommittee that the reason to offer prizes is because "you will get people involved to win prizes who would never dream of pursuing a government contract.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Orbital Express satellite servicing demonstration program is gearing up to begin hardware integration early next year and is on track to launch in September 2006, according to Program Manager Lt. Col. James Shoemaker.
The launch of Telesat's mammoth Anik F2 telecommunications satellite from Kourou, French Guiana was scrubbed July 12 after a faulty gyro was discovered in its Ariane 5 launch vehicle during final countdown operations.
