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.
Early analysis of comet samples returned by NASA's Stardust spacecraft have surprised scientists, showing that at least some of the frozen bodies contain minerals formed at very high temperatures. Stardust collected dust samples from the nucleus of comet Wild 2 in 2004, as well as samples of interstellar dust. The sample canister parachuted down into the Utah desert on Jan. 15 (DAILY, Jan. 18). The completion of the mission marked the first time comet samples have been brought back for study.
Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) plans to once again restructure the H-1 helicopter upgrade program in light of recent developmental and manufacturing problems, according to Navy officials. The H-1 program will replace the Marine Corps' aging AH-1W and UH-1N helicopters with 180 AH-1Z and 100 UH-1Y models. Ninety of the UH-1Ys will be newly built aircraft.
Department of Defense officials expressed confidence before lawmakers in Washington on March 9 that the nation's current limited missile defense system is ready in the event of an attack on the country. The U.S. has had a limited national defense against ballistic missiles deployed since late 2004, including interceptors positioned in Ft. Greely, Alaska, and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
