The U.S. military and intelligence community's space launch manifest is ramping up to an unusually high pace to deploy several first-of-fleet spacecraft that will modernize the nation's communications, missile warning, surveillance and navigation infrastructures. But uncertainties are clouding the outlook of the liquid- and solid-fueled booster industrial base following a White House decision to terminate NASA's Constellation program.rnThe Pentagon and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)-which develops and operates intelligence satellites for the U.S.-are in the midst of several studies to help chart a path forward. In parallel, NASA, the Pentagon, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Missile Defense Agency are collaborating.
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