Background From the abstract of the report: “Laser propulsion is the production of high specific impulse rocket thrust using a high-energy laser as a remote power source. Specific impulses in excess of 1000 sec are achievable because propellant temperatures are very high and low molecular weight gases can be used. This report highlights the research status of the fourth year of AFOSR sponsored work for converting the laser energy, and reports the results of ongoing experiments using laser sustained plasmas as the conversion mechanism. Major new findings from our spectroscopic techniques to diagnose the laser-sustained plasmas are also reported. The…
Author: John Greenewald
Background In the beginning of 2016, I requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and printout of documents listed within the NSA’s ADMS system, which catalogs NSA records within their holdings. I filed two separate requests, seeking titles and citations for all records that bear the dates before 1900 and the second request was identical but for records dated 1900 through 1920. The NSA responded to both requests in the same response. Below, you will find the archive. Document Archive National Security Agency (NSA) ADMS “Document Management System” Printouts for Documents dated 1930 [6 Pages, 2MB] National Security Agency…
Background Cryptolog was created in 1974 and was, according to the editor, “a new vehicle for the interchange of ideas on technical subjects.” Another editor called it “a mix of technical, expository, philosophical, futuristic, argumentative and historical articles – with a light touch here and there – there’s always an article or two to engage the reader.” Issues of Cryptolog were published initially on a monthly basis, but in the final years of its publication, were released on a quarterly basis. There were no issues published in 1993 and the final issue was released in July of 1997. The Black…
On December 18, 2020, the U.S. Space Force announced what members of that branch will be called — GUARDIANS. Below, you will find their official announcement published by the Space Force: Today, after a yearlong process that produced hundreds of submissions and research involving space professionals and members of the general public, we can finally share with you the name by which we will be known: Guardians. The opportunity to name a force is a momentous responsibility. Guardians is a name with a long history in space operations, tracing back to the original command motto of Air Force Space Command…
On December 17, 2020, Airman 1st Class Karla Parra, from the 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs, sent out the following press release. It is archived on The Black Vault for reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KSteZkEqCI The 60th Security Forces Squadron, in collaboration with Easy Aerial, a leading provider of autonomous drone-based monitoring solutions, launched the first automated drone-based perimeter security system for the Air Force, Dec. 11. The small unarmed aircraft initiative redefines on-base perimeter security systems to potentially advance warfighting capabilities, enhance strategic deterrence and foster full-spectrum readiness across the Air Force. “Easy Aerial’s unmanned aerial systems are a game-changer,” said…