Air Force may spread wings in near space

Posted on: Jan. 19th, 2005 || Source: cnn.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- The U.S. Air Force could start operating aircraft in "near space," the airspace above 65,000 feet but below an outer space orbit, within a year, a top U.S. Air Force space official said Tuesday.

The Air Force is actively exploring ways to use helium-filled free-floating balloons and remotely controlled glider-like aircraft to protect U.S. convoys, track friendly forces, assess battle damage and boost communications between units in military hot spots like Iraq.

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