The Air Force's recent budget submission confirms that its highly secretive Silentbarker surveillance satellite is part of its strategy to replace the legacy Space-Based Space Surveillance constellation, providing new details on a little-known space situational awareness program. Air Force Space Command chief Gen. John Raymond first acknowledged the Silentbarker mission in congressional testimony in May as a partnership between the service and the National Reconnaissance Office. Since then, officials have referenced the program, but said little about its mission. Lt...
