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.
Acknowledging the growing importance of space assets in land combat and joint operations, the U.S. Army's new space policy document directs the service to take greater responsibility for the operation of space systems. "In the 20th century, the Army fully exploited the high ground provided by air capabilities and led the nation to space," the policy says. "In the 21st century we must fully exploit the high ground of space to empower adaptive leaders and soldiers with the ability to see first, understand first, act first, and finish decisively."
As part of its effort to return the space shuttle to flight, NASA has selected a new design for the bipod that attaches the orbiter to the external tank (ET) and is contemplating other changes to mitigate or eliminate foam strikes. The bipod and other critical areas of the ET are insulated with foam to prevent the formation of ice on the outside of the tank, which holds cryogenic fuel. The shuttle Columbia is believed to have been doomed by a piece of foam that broke loose from the bipod and damaged the orbiter's left wing shortly after launch Jan. 16.
The Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) will focus on NASA management and culture in its final public hearing in Washington June 12, as members wind down their investigation and continue writing their final report.
