A history of Soviet television reconnaissance satellites

In an article for The Space Review, Bart Hendrickx has uncovered the remarkable story of the Soviet Union’s transition from film-return satellites to cutting-edge television-based systems. This shift, marked by technical ingenuity and geopolitical strategy, is unveiled in detail, shedding light on the intricacies of decision-making during a pivotal era.

Центр Космонавтики и Авиации, Москва 45 - Cosmonautics and Aviation Center, Moscow
Pulux11, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Poland becomes first international customer for advanced LTAMDS radar

Poland has made history by becoming the first international customer to add the advanced 360-degree Lower-Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensors (LTAMDS) radar to its air and missile defense capabilities. The announcement comes after the Polish Minister of National Defense, Mariusz Błaszczak, approved a Letter of Acceptance with the U.S. Army to bolster the country’s air defense systems.

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USN selects “Alternative 3″ plan to dismantle former USS Enterprise

The US Navy has made a significant decision regarding the former USS Enterprise (CVN 65), the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The service has opted for “Alternative 3,” which involves dismantling and disposing of the warship using commercial industry expertise. This process will take place at one of three potential locations: Newport News, Virginia; Brownsville, Texas; or Mobile, Alabama.

USS Enterprise makes its final voyage. (9100691233)
By Official U.S. Navy Page from United States of America Photo by John Whalen/U.S. Navy (USS Enterprise makes its final voyage.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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Qatar and U.S. military conduct historic airborne insertion exercise

Qatari and U.S. military units joined forces in a historic airborne insertion exercise on Aug. 17, 2023, in Doha, Qatar.

Qatar Joint Special Forces personnel jump from a Qatar Emiri Air Force C-17 during a U.S. Army and QJSF airborne insertion exercise in Doha, Qatar, Aug. 17, 2023. The exercise provided an avenue for practicing tactics, techniques, and procedures in a joint environment, while building partnerships between the U.S. and Qatari military. The U.S. Army 165th Quartermaster Brigade Aerial Delivery Company-Airborne Det 1 teamed up with U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command Central to demonstrate their capabilities in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Devin Boyer)

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F-15EX IT&E Phase I concludes

The F-15EX Integrated Test & Evaluation (IT&E) Phase I has reached a milestone with the successful deployment of three Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSMs). During this phase, the F-15EX participated in 19 Large Force Exercise events, showcasing its capabilities and integration with 5th generation aircraft. This accomplishment demonstrates the aircraft’s prowess in both Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missions, underlining its importance in modern combat scenarios.

An F-15EX Eagle II from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, 53rd Wing, takes flight for the first time out of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., April 26, 2021, prior to departure for Northern Edge 2021. The F-15EX brings next-generation combat technology to a highly successful fighter airframe that is capable of projecting power across multiple domains for the Joint Force. (U.S Air Force photo by 1st Lt Savanah Bray)

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