SpaceX wins $2.29B to speed Space Force’s LEO communications ‘backbone’
The SpaceX “backbone” constellation will support the broader Space Data Network, which will include the Space Development Agency’s Transport layer satellites.
Space Force
Despite ‘peak hype,’ orbital data centers for AI not yet ready for NatSec prime time
One expert summed up the defense market viewpoint of AI data centers in space as: “If they build it, we might come.”
Boots on the moon needed to beat ‘belligerent’ China: Mitchell Institute
“[F]uture American space security is at risk. China’s military-led human space flight progression is positioning the People’s Liberation Army to achieve strategic advantage in lunar access, infrastructure, and resources,” Kyle P…
How drones can navigate without GPS
[Sponsored] Absolute positioning is critical in contested and denied environments.
DAF study finds new space launch site ‘probably’ required
Lt. Gen. David Miller, Space Force deputy for Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements, said on Tuesday that the service alone is looking at some 1,000 launches between fiscal 2027 and 2031.
DARPA’s robotic servicing spacecraft to finally fly this summer
The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites mission, a partnership between DARPA and Northrop Grumman, will result in the first US on-orbit servicing capability, according to company officials.
Space Force names Sandhoo as head of new missile warning/tracking PAE
As of May 11, Sandhoo is double hatted as both head of the PAE and director of the Space Development Agency.
CBO’s $1.2 trillion Golden Dome estimate based on bad data: Guetlein
Gen. Michael Guetlein, who previously said the project would cost $185 billion, insisted DoD would be able to deploy an “operational system” to defend the entire US homeland by 2028.
US, close allies creating joint ‘orbital warfare’ plan: SPACECOM chief
Gen. Stephen Whiting told the Mitchell Institute today that SPACECOM also plans to Apollo Insights table-top exercises (TTXs) with commercial industry once a quarter this year.
SOCOM to test SkyFi satellite imagery-to-tablet prototype
SkyFi’s Sovereign Intelligence Platform for US Special Operations Command is designed to allow commanders in the field to task a commercial satellite for near-real time imagery.