Space

Space Development Agency plans for ‘enduring’ satellite experimentation testbed

The initial solicitation will be for 10 satellites, the agency expects the program to provide an “enduring” test and experimentation capability.

How Russia telegraphed invasion of Ukraine in space and online

While the discussion of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at Europe’s largest land warfare tradeshow has focused on how militaries fight on the ground, Major Gen. Michel Friedling, the head of France’s Space Command, said Russia’s use of cyber and space weapons sent a critical message.

Space Force envisions digital future for testing and training

The Space Force is on a path toward creating a National Space Test and Training Complex, but the endeavor also presents some challenges — most of which lie in creating virtual training and testing environments that realistically depict the space domain.

Air Force using AI to improve weather models for military planning

“When planning military operations,” the deputy CIO said, “the weather can be a huge determiner of success or failure.”

Space Force urged to use single company for managing national security launch integration

As the service projects an increase in national security launch missions in the coming years, a House panel wants the Space Force to consider using a common launch integrator to reduce costs and drive out risk.

How Space Development Agency contractors are mitigating supply chain issues

Early planning, as well as collaboration and problem solving from its prime contractors, has helped SDA lessen the impact of supply chain issues that have affected the space industry in recent years.

Strategic review to guide US approach to space weapons, classification, Liquori says

The review, which should be finished in the next few months, will consider what mix of offensive and defensive space capabilities the Pentagon and the intelligence community should operate and what details about those capabilities should be classified.

Government watchdog finds major flaws in US Space Command basing process

The report, which questions the credibility of the SPACECOM headquarters selection process, is one of two reviews directed by Congress and comes nearly 18 months after Alabama was chosen to host the combatant command.

Space Development Agency chooses satellite ground segment provider

Under the seven-year contract, General Dynamics and Iridium will deliver and sustain the ground segment for SDA's Tranche 1 satellites.

National Reconnaissance Office expands use of commercial satellite imagery

The contracts — awarded to Maxar, BlackSky and Planet — are part of NRO's response to a growing demand for commercial satellite imagery.

Space Force ‘reverse industry day’ to address gaps in sensing, tracking

During industry meetings this week, program managers will hear from companies about capabilities they're developing to address tactical ISR capability needs.

Defense Innovation Unit picks designs for space nuclear propulsion demo

DIU plans to launch a demonstration mission in 2027, showcasing the advantages of nuclear-powered spacecraft for maneuver operations in cislunar space.

GEOINT

Satellite photo shows possible new Chinese nuclear submarine able to launch cruise missiles

A submarine seen in a satellite photo of a Chinese shipyard shows what could be a new class or subtype of a nuclear-powered attack sub with a new stealthy propulsion system and launch tubes for cruise missiles.

Space Force lays out ‘Range of the Future’ priorities as launches surge

Major launch pads at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center in Florida are seeing a flurry of activity.

Pentagon may rethink how it determines which space programs are classified

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy John Plumb said this week the guide, which is used to determine which programs should be classified, may need to be rewritten.

Space Force releases plan for testing satellites, ground systems

The Space Force signed off on the new test enterprise vision in March, which calls for an integrated test force and a more robust space test and training range infrastructure.

GEOINT

Maxar reports $7 million loss in first quarter earnings

Multiple media organizations use Maxar’s satellite imagery in their reporting, notably to show activity in Ukraine as it defends itself against a Russian invasion.

Atlantic Council urges Pentagon to utilize commercial space capabilities

The Atlantic Council report urges Congress to improve its oversight of how the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community adopt commercial space services.

Satellite service provider EchoStar posts Q1 earnings

The company posted a revenue of $501.5 million in the period.

Satellite comms firm Telesat unveils first-quarter earnings

Telesat expects full-year revenue in the range of $568.4 million to $584.2 million.

DARPA’s nuclear space propulsion project advances to next phase

The agency wants to demonstrate the utility of more efficient, high-thrust propulsion systems for cislunar space operations and aims to fly a nuclear-powered space vehicle in fiscal 2026.

GEOINT

New Zealand rocket caught but then dropped by helicopter

Rocket Lab partially pulled off the feat as it pushes to make its small Electron rockets reusable.

Space Force seeks $3.7 billion for narrowband communication satellites

The service says the two satellites will extend the service-life of the Mobile User Objective System constellation to at least 2034.

How the Space Force is working with US allies

Director of the Space Force’s International Affairs Directorate Deanna Ryals says the organization aims to serve as a “front door” for Space Systems Command's work with international partners and to ensure that as the command develops and acquires new systems and architectures, it does so with allies in mind.

The anti-satellite test ban must not undermine deterrence

The U.S. must convince its adversaries they cannot destroy America's critical satellites while retaining theirs.