Courtney Albon

Courtney Albon is C4ISRNET’s space and emerging technology reporter. She has covered the U.S. military since 2012, with a focus on the Air Force and Space Force. During that time, she reported on some of the Defense Department’s most significant acquisition, budget and policy challenges, including the F-35 jet, hypersonic capabilities and the creation of the Space Force.

All Stories By Courtney

Defense Innovation Unit eyes first flight of hypersonic testbed

The agency awarded a contract through its Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities, or HyCAT, program in March.

2 days ago

Pentagon confirms SpaceX deal for Ukraine Starlink services

U.S. officials did not disclose details of the deal — including cost, contract timing or the length of service — citing operational security concerns.

3 days ago

US Space Force crafting new schedule for GPS ground system

The service expects the new schedule for the Next-Generation Operational Control Segment to be approved this spring.

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the SBIRS GEO Flight 5 mission for the U.S Space Force's Space and Missile Systems Center lifts off from Space Launch Complex-41 on May 18, 2021. (United Launch Alliance)

Space launch firms seek to balance government, commercial client needs

As demand for commercial launch grows and DoD eyes opportunities for new providers, space launch companies must balance more diverse customer needs.

SpaceX’s Shotwell says Ukraine ‘weaponized’ Starlink network

Ukraine has relied heavily on SpaceX's Starlink satellites for broadband connectivity since Russia invaded the country last year.

Satellite image shows a traffic jam near Russia’s border with Georgia on Sept. 25, 2022, as people try to leave the country after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a mobilization of troops.

Maxar wins contract to provide satellite imagery to US allies

The five-year contract is worth up to $192 million and will provide high-resolution electro-optical and synthetic aperture radar imagery.

A high altitude balloon floats over Billings, Mont., on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. The huge, high-altitude Chinese balloon sailed across the U.S. on Friday, drawing severe Pentagon accusations of spying and sending excited or alarmed Americans outside with binoculars.

Why stratospheric balloons are used in era of space-based intelligence

Experts say balloons loitering at high altitudes can offer some advantages over satellites and drones — and could at least augment ISR capabilities.

Space Force object tracking upgrade delayed by engineering challenges

The capability, which will allow the system to decommission its 1970s-era C2 system, was supposed to be delivered at the end of last year.

Defense Innovation Board launches survey to boost private partnerships

The survey will inform a broader study that considers how DoD can better mobilize capital investment toward critical defense technology areas.

Space Force chief calls for tighter link between operators and buyers

Gen. Chance Saltzman told reporters today he wants space operators to be more involved in shaping plans for future systems and defining training needs.

Capella Space creates US government-focused subsidiary

Capella Federal will build on its parent company’s work with the National Reconnaissance Office the U.S. Space Force and other agencies.

L3Harris delivers experimental navigation satellite

The delivery brings the lab closer to conducting the first U.S. positioning, navigation and timing experiment in almost 50 years.

New Army fitness regimen and the Marines’ ‘innovation unit’ | Defense News Weekly for 5.27.23

Communications Network Challenges in Contested Environments

The Pentagon’s race to the latest tech | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 5.6.23

Courtney Albon

All Stories By Courtney

Defense Innovation Unit eyes first flight of hypersonic testbed

The agency awarded a contract through its Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities, or HyCAT, program in March.

Pentagon confirms SpaceX deal for Ukraine Starlink services

U.S. officials did not disclose details of the deal — including cost, contract timing or the length of service — citing operational security concerns.

US Space Force crafting new schedule for GPS ground system

The service expects the new schedule for the Next-Generation Operational Control Segment to be approved this spring.

Space launch firms seek to balance government, commercial client needs

As demand for commercial launch grows and DoD eyes opportunities for new providers, space launch companies must balance more diverse customer needs.

SpaceX’s Shotwell says Ukraine ‘weaponized’ Starlink network

Ukraine has relied heavily on SpaceX's Starlink satellites for broadband connectivity since Russia invaded the country last year.

Maxar wins contract to provide satellite imagery to US allies

The five-year contract is worth up to $192 million and will provide high-resolution electro-optical and synthetic aperture radar imagery.

Why stratospheric balloons are used in era of space-based intelligence

Experts say balloons loitering at high altitudes can offer some advantages over satellites and drones — and could at least augment ISR capabilities.

Space Force object tracking upgrade delayed by engineering challenges

The capability, which will allow the system to decommission its 1970s-era C2 system, was supposed to be delivered at the end of last year.

Defense Innovation Board launches survey to boost private partnerships

The survey will inform a broader study that considers how DoD can better mobilize capital investment toward critical defense technology areas.

Space Force chief calls for tighter link between operators and buyers

Gen. Chance Saltzman told reporters today he wants space operators to be more involved in shaping plans for future systems and defining training needs.

Capella Space creates US government-focused subsidiary

Capella Federal will build on its parent company’s work with the National Reconnaissance Office the U.S. Space Force and other agencies.

L3Harris delivers experimental navigation satellite

The delivery brings the lab closer to conducting the first U.S. positioning, navigation and timing experiment in almost 50 years.

Featured Video

New Army fitness regimen and the Marines’ ‘innovation unit’ | Defense News Weekly for 5.27.23

Communications Network Challenges in Contested Environments

The Pentagon’s race to the latest tech | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 5.6.23

How DoD will acquire fast-changing software

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