The kind of dramatic innovation that brought the world the Global Positioning System is desperately needed today in military space and cyberspace, according to Air Force Space Command’s Vice Commander.
“Innovation is really what defines us as a Service,” said Lt. Gen. John Hyten at the annual National Security Innovation Competition held here Apr. 25. “Our Service has been built on Airmen doing amazing things, fueled by innovation.”
“There are some spectacular examples of innovation ,” in the Air Force’s history, General Hyten told the audience of about 50 college students and technology professionals. The Air Force was one of the first to put integrated circuits to use in the early 1960’s as part of the guidance system for Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles. Probably the best-known innovation, he said, was the Global Positioning System, better known to the world as GPS.
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