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.
In a new report, the National Academies' Space Studies Board (SSB) criticizes the lack of a Mars sample return mission in NASA's current plans, and urges the agency to begin technology development to support such a mission as soon as possible.
Concerned over the possible ramifications of Senate defense authorization language that would require fixed-price contracts for most Defense Department development programs, the Aerospace Industries Association is urging Congress to explore other methods to control costs. The Senate's fiscal 2007 defense authorization bill (S.2766) would mandate the used of fixed-price contracts for research and development (R&D) unless the secretary of defense determines that the program is too complex and risky.
Following the July 3 completion of its acquisition of PanAmSat, Intelsat is embarking on an 18-month integration plan that includes closing 14 facilities and reducing the companies' combined work force from 1,400 employees down to roughly 1,000. The staff cuts will eliminate redundant positions and should be two-thirds complete within the first 12 months, according to Intelsat COO James Frownfelter. At the same time, the company will be adding customer service personnel, he said.
