Without its growing fleet of unmanned aircraft, the Air Force would not be as effective. It's why Predators, Reapers and Global Hawks are in such demand on the battlefield.

Airman Magazine is published bi-monthly by the Air Force News Agency for the Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs. As the official magazine of the U.S. Air Force, it is a medium of information for Air Force people.

Readers may submit articles, photographs and artwork. The Airman staff welcomes suggestions and criticisms.

On the Cover
Dr. Werner Dahm, Air Force Chief Scientist, directs research programs with a budget of approximately $2 billion. The Air Force is developing ways to make the service more capable and efficient through research and innovation.

Download Airman Magazine, September/October 2009

PDF format, 8.3MB, 61Pages

FEATURES
10 Patenting the future
Academy professor develops a way to counter the phenomenon that gives stars their twinkle.
14 dirty job
The Air Force Real Property Agency is charged with cleaning hazardous sites on installations.
18 good, clean science
The Air Force Chief Scientist directs research into a cleaner, more efficient future.
22 burning passion
Researchers analyze synthetic fuels for potential Air Force certification including their appeal to hungry microbes.
28 one island, one world
A remote island is home to a self-sufficient, environmentally conscious Air Force installation.
36 a strike for change
The Thunderbolt legacy lives on in the F-35. Ensuring it lives up to its heritage requires rigorous testing.
44 sonic science
Every Air Force airframe flying today underwent tested at the birthplace of the sonic boom.
50 SH ell shocked
Ensuring the survival of a species.

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Patenting the Future
Academy physicist develops satellite imaging technology
Story by Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates Photos by Staff Sgt. Desiree Palacios

From childhood, most remember singing the song, “Twinkle, twinkle, little star,” at one time or another. There’s just one problem with this little ditty.

“Stars don’t twinkle,” said Dr. Geoff Andersen, a physicist at the U.S. Air Force Academy. “This is just the effect of atmospheric turbulence on our ability to see into space.”

This turbulence not only has led to the creation of catchy tune, but it makes it harder for ground-based telescopes to see into space. It also makes it harder for these telescopes to see satellites orbiting high above the earth.

So, Dr. Andersen, who works in the Academy’s Laser and Optics Research Center, is developing a new capability that will allow satellites to be seen and see clearer. Dr. Andersen developed and holds the patent for the process, which is called holographic adaptive optics. It uses sensors and lenses that can correct for disturbances in the atmosphere, making objects in space appear clearer. ...

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