DTN News: Raytheon Hyperspectral Imaging Sensor Activated For Year-Long Mission

DTN News: Raytheon Hyperspectral Imaging Sensor Activated For Year-Long Mission (NSI News Source Info) EL SEGUNDO, Calif., - June 4, 2009: Raytheon Company has received confirmation from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory that its hyperspectral imaging sensor known as ARTEMIS has been activated aboard the TacSat-3 spacecraft and is fully functional. The milestone continues Raytheon's 40-year history of on-orbit success. In this 2007 photo provided Friday, May 1, 2009 by Raytheon, a Raytheon engineer adjusts the ARTEMIS hyperspectral imaging sensor at Raytheon's space manufacturing center in El Segundo, Calif. A satellite scheduled for launch from Virginia's Eastern Shore could be used to reveal hidden enemy arms and swiftly deliver their battlefield locations to U.S. troops, scientists say.

Activation also marks the beginning of the year-long TacSat-3 mission to test the payload's ability to deliver tactical surveillance information from space to military field commanders within 10 minutes of data acquisition. ARTEMIS was developed in 15 months as an experiment in rapid deployment funded by a $15 million contract from the laboratory. Data collection is scheduled to begin within days as part of the program's goal of demonstrating the ability to design, build and field space solutions in tactically relevant time frames. "We are excited to begin the data collection portion of this important mission," said Bill Hart, vice president for the Space Systems group of Raytheon. "Having shown that technologically advanced space payloads can be built in relatively short periods of time, we are confident that ARTEMIS will further demonstrate the ability to bring space surveillance and reconnaissance advantages directly to troops on the ground." Consisting of a trio of components (telescope, spectrometer and on-board digital signal processor), the payload will image the ground at high spatial resolution in a broad range of the visible and infrared spectrum. It can be directed to search for camouflage, disturbed earth and other signs of enemy activity. With its easily manufactured and readily repeatable design, ARTEMIS serves as the model for the electro-optical class of Responder™ modular payloads recently introduced by Raytheon. Responder combines a common payload framework with a suite of interchangeable mission-specific sensors and standardized interconnects to allow for rapid design, manufacturing and spacecraft integration of space payloads. Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people

DTN News: Boeing Submits CANES C4I Proposal To US Navy

DTN News: Boeing Submits CANES C4I Proposal To US Navy

(NSI News Source Info) SAN DIEGO, Calif., - June 4, 2009: Boeing on June 2 submitted its proposal to develop the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) program for the U.S. Navy. CANES will reduce the information technology infrastructure on naval vessels while implementing a common computing environment across shipboard networks. The Navy’s Program Executive Office, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (PEO C4I), is expected to award the system design and development contract by the end of this year. In order to support this customer, Boeing has opened a CANES program office in the Liberty Station area of San Diego. “Our proposal offers a CANES solution to the Navy that can be deployed quickly, reduces life-cycle costs, and is reconfigurable to support changing missions,” said Nan Bouchard, vice president and general manager of Boeing C3 Networks. “Boeing understands the Navy’s requirements and is fully committed to its vision for CANES.” The Boeing proposal enables the Navy to deploy an innovative, low-cost, cross-domain solution that allows data to be seamlessly accessed or transferred between different security levels. Boeing’s IT-related experience includes managing one of the world’s largest global networks that securely connects employees, customers, partners and suppliers worldwide, and developing open architecture and battlespace networking solutions for the U.S. military. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: Pakistan Asks World To Write Off All Loans Since 2005

DTN News: Pakistan Asks World To Write Off All Loans Since 2005

*Source: By Masood Haider DAWN News

(NSI News Source Info) NEW YORK - June 4, 2009: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations Abdullah Husain Haroon Tuesday called on the international community to help Pakistan overcome the desperate humanitarian crisis emerging in the wake of military action against militant groups.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations Abdullah Husain Haroon meets with PM Gilani — APP photo.

He suggested that the best way to do so would be for all loans given to Pakistan by international donors following the 2005 earthquake to be forgiven. Speaking at a meeting on the emerging crisis at Asia Society here he said this was not America’s war on terror; it was world’s war against the scourge. The world, therefore, has a responsibility to come to the aid of Pakistan, which had in the past few years been hit by a series of disasters — the 2005 earthquake, the 2007 floods and lately by an astronomical rise in energy and food prices. Also making an appeal to send money to Pakistan was George Rupp, Chief Executive Officer of International Rescue Committee who felt that $ 110 million dollars sent Pakistan by the United States were not enough. ‘Substantially much more money was needed to fight this war,’ which he felt would be long and protracted. Asked about the morale of the army in fighting the militants Ambassador Haroon said that ‘[The] Pakistan Army was clearing the valley of the Taliban as it advanced to other areas. The Taliban will not go in a hurry,’ he said, adding, ‘They keep coming back.’ Replying to a question, the ambassador said that adequate mechanisms and monitoring systems were in place to ensure that money being pumped into Pakistan did not go into wrong hand and was used fog the welfare of the affected and for the development of the region. Questioned about the release of Jamaatud Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed, Haroon said that he was set free by Pakistan’s independent judiciary, which emerged at the climax of the lawyers movement. The move did not violate any UN Security Council resolution or decisions. Nicolas Platt, former US Ambassador to Pakistan, was moderator at the panel discussion.

DTN News: South Korea TODAY June 4, 2009 - South Korean Army Tanks During Military Exercise Near DMZ Demilitarized Zone

DTN News: South Korea TODAY June 4, 2009 - South Korean Army Tanks During Military Exercise Near DMZ Demilitarized Zone

(NSI News Source Info) SEOUL, South Korea - June 4, 2009: South Korean Army tanks fire during a military drill, against North Korea's possible attack, at a firing range in Pocheon about 15 km (9 miles) south of the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas June 4, 2009.

North Korea put two U.S. journalists on trial on Thursday on charges of illegally entering the state with "hostile intent", in a case that could worsen tension with Washington after Pyongyang's nuclear test last week.

DTN News: US President Barack Obama With President Hosni Mubarak In Cairo, Egypt

DTN News: US President Barack Obama With President Hosni Mubarak In Cairo, Egypt

(NSI News Source Info) CAIRO, Egypt - June 4, 2009: US President Barack Obama smiles during a bilateral meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Hosni Mubarak at the presidential palace in Cairo on June 4, 2009.

Obama arrived in Egypt to make a momentous multimedia address to the world's 1.5 billion Muslims, seeking to heal a wide breach between America and Islam.

DTN News: President Barack Obama Calls For 'New Beginning' With Muslim World

DTN News: President Barack Obama Calls For 'New Beginning' With Muslim World (NSI News Source Info) CAIRO, Egypt - June 4, 2009: President Barack Obama is delivering a speech he had promised during the presidential campaign, aimed at reaching out to the world's 1.5 billion Muslims. US President Barack Obama and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton tour the Sultan Hassan Mosque in Cairo, June 4, 2009. Obama took a tour of the medieval mosque in the heart of old Cairo on a trip aimed at repairing rifts with the Muslim world.

President Obama called for a "new beginning" between the West and the Muslim world Thursday in Cairo, saying there is more to unite than divide two civilizations that have been in fierce conflict for decades. Obama was delivering a speech he had promised during the presidential campaign, aimed at reaching out to the world's 1.5 billion Muslims. The president said despite years of mistrust between the East and West, "this cycle of suspicion and discord must end." He spoke at Cairo University after meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. He first traveled Wednesday to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, where met with King Abdullah. From Egypt, Obama will head to Germany and France.

DTN News: CSTO To Hold Large-Scale Joint Military Drills In Aug.-Sept.

DTN News: CSTO To Hold Large-Scale Joint Military Drills In Aug.-Sept.

(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW - June 4, 2009: The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will conduct joint military exercises in August-September in Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus, the Belarusian defense minister said on Wednesday. The defense ministers of the post-Soviet security bloc comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan held a regular meeting in Moscow on June 3. "The joint drills will be held in Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus to practice the deployment of CSTO's joint rapid-reaction force," Leonid Maltsev told reporters after the meeting. He said the exercises in Belarus will also involve the Russia-Belarus joint military grouping created within the framework of the CSTO. According to media reports, Russia is planning to build a strong military contingent in Central Asia within the CSTO comparable to NATO forces in Europe. The new force will comprise large military units from five countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Russia already has joint military contingents with Belarus and Armenia in as part of CSTO cooperation.

DTN News: Indian Warship On Goodwill Visit To Israel

DTN News: Indian Warship On Goodwill Visit To Israel (NSI News Source Info) HAIFA, Israel - June 4, 2009: India’s front-line warship INS Brahmaputra has arrived on a four-day goodwill visit to this northern coastal city to reaffirm old ties with Israel. “The visit shows the importance India attaches to its relationship with Israel. Not only that, it is also fitted with the ‘state-of-the-art’ Israeli Barak missile system as the first line of defence,” vessel commander Captain Philipose G. Pynumootil told a gathering on the ship. INS Brahmaputra (F31) is the lead ship of her class of guided missile frigates of the Indian Navy. She is one of the recently inducted, indigenously built guided missile frigates fitted with a modern missile systems. She and her two sister ships, INS Betwa and INS Beas, were built at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkatta. The design and construction of the ship is entirely Indian, and is a modification of the Godavari class of frigates. It is fitted with an array of modern sensor suites and matching weapon systems that allows her to take on any threat. “The enthusiasm clearly shows that the Indian ship is in friendly waters. It is not only in Israel but a part of it is also Israeli,” India’s ambassador Navtej Sarna said, referring to the Barak system. Navy officials on board told PTI that Indian warships have regularly paid visits to ports in West Asia and East Africa reaffirming their peaceful presence and solidarity with countries in the region. Among the visitors was a former commander of the old INS Brahmaputra, Jack Japheth, now an Israeli citizen settled in Tel Aviv after retirement. INS Brahmaputra, one of the Indian Navy’s finest guided missile frigate, arrived here from Eritrea. It has a versatile suite of long range sensors, incorporating radars, sonars and electronic warfare equipment that enable her to simultaneously address threats in all three dimensions — surface, sub-surface and air. When needed, she can bring to bear awesome offensive or defensive fire power, with her wide-ranging top of the line ordnance.

DTN News: Cuba TODAY June 4, 2009 - Paraguay's President Fernando Lugo On Official Visit To Cuba

DTN News: Cuba TODAY June 4, 2009 - Paraguay's President Fernando Lugo On Official Visit To Cuba

(NSI News Source Info) HAVANA, Cuba - June 4, 2009: Members of a Cuban military band carry Cuban and Paraguay's flag during a wreath-laying ceremony attended by Paraguay's President Fernando Lugo at Havana's Revolution Square June 3, 2009. Lugo is in Cuba on an official visit.

DTN News: Boeing May Get $2.2 billion For More C-17s Transport Aircraft

DTN News: Boeing May Get $2.2 billion For More C-17s Transport Aircraft (NSI New Source Info) LONG BEACH - June 4, 2009: It appears that the Boeing Co. C-17 program that employs about 5,000 people in Long Beach may get the funding it needs to extend its production line. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III military airlift aircraft is capable of carrying payloads up to 169,000lb, and has an international range and the ability to land on small airfields. A fully integrated electronic cockpit and advanced cargo systems allow a crew of three; the pilot, co-pilot and loadmaster, to operate all systems on any type of mission. Since it entered service in January 1995, 178 aircraft have been delivered to the US Air Force with one more on order to be delivered by early 2009. A further ten aircraft were ordered in December 2006, for delivery by October 2009. The UK Royal Air Force has leased four aircraft, delivered by August 2001, under a seven-year agreement, which also has an end-of-lease purchase option. News outlets and Sen. Christopher S. "Kit" Bond's office reported Tuesday that the final fiscal year 2009 troops funding - or supplemental defense appropriations - bill would tentatively include $2.2 billion to purchase eight C-17s. Although the troops funding bill is currently being hammered out in the House-Senate conference - which Bond is a member of - the Missouri senator's official Web site announced Tuesday that Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye said that "conferees reached a tentative agreement" that would include funding for the C-17. Boeing Co. spokesman Jerry Drelling said the company would not comment until the final spending package is completed. News services, however, are reporting that the full funding package is expected to be completed in the coming days. In recent years, California's only remaining major aircraft production facility program has been in jeopardy as Boeing relies heavily on a solid base of domestic orders and funding for the program has been an unknown. Although President Obama mentioned the importance of programs such as the C-17, Defense Secretary Robert Gates later suggested shedding the military cargo plane from the proposed budget. And while the House of Representatives approved its version of the bill that included money for the aircraft, the Senate version did not include funding for any of them. However, Inouye has publicly expressed his support for C-17. Dana Rohrabacher, a supporter of C-17, did not know about the tentative deal but said he was confident that the program would be funded. "Nobody in their right mind wants to eliminate the productions of the C-17 at a time when we are so reliant on C-17s to supply the mission in Afghanistan, for example," he said. "I can't imagine that we're going to lose it."