[Satellite Today 10-08-08] The U.S. Air Force delayed the launch of the Lockheed Martin-built next-generation military weather satellite, DMSP-F18.
    According to a statement from the Air Force, the launch, scheduled for November, now will take place sometime in late 2009 with a target launch date of Dec. 4.
    "Due to the exceptional performance of DMSP on-orbit, the decision was made to postpone launch and preserve future launch options," officials at the Air Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center said in a statement press. "The current DMSP on-orbit constellation is exceeding design life specifications."