Space Force’s first next-gen missile warning launch pushed to 2026
GAO has long warned the program’s first launch would be delayed at least a year. Those projections could prove true, but perhaps for more nuanced reasons.
Space
Sierra Space launches defense-focused business
Over the last two years, Sierra Space has been awarded $1.5 billion in defense contracts for satellites and components.
Two House lawmakers launch Golden Dome caucus
Rep. Jeff Crank, R-Colo., announced the initiative Tuesday, noting that the group will partner closely with the Senate's Golden Dome Caucus.
For Air Force weather experts, the cloud is the future – rain or shine
The organization, which provides operational weather tools to the military and intelligence agencies, expects to fully transition to the cloud next year.
Space Force shifts upfront range upgrade costs to commercial firms
Under a new $4 billion contract, commercial launch firms will place task orders and pay directly for various services required to support.
Pentagon prize challenge seeks ‘ready-now’ uncrewed systems
DIU is establishing a $20 million prize pool for the project, and the solicitation will stay open through the end of the year on a rolling basis.
Space Force demos rapid turnaround on latest GPS III launch
The launch was the second in a series the Space Force is running to test its ability to launch high-value satellites in response to operational needs.
Behemoth Golden Dome may face lackluster scrutiny in Trump’s Pentagon
Hegseth's decision to shutter DOT&E was at least partially triggered by the office's plans to oversee Golden Dome's test plans, sources told Defense News.
Meta and Anduril work on mixed reality devices for the US military
Anduril and Meta plan to build VR/AR extended reality headsets for the military as part of the the contract that Anduril took over from Microsoft.
Chinese hold on solar-power tech raises fresh sabotage fears in Europe
After a news report about undeclared circuitry in Chinese solar components, European experts fear the bloc may be vulnerable to blackmail.
Leidos acquires cyber company Kudu Dynamics
The finalized deal comes as Leidos is implementing a new “NorthStar” strategy that identifies cyber as one of five primary growth areas for the company.
Navy wants AI tools to boost data processing, resource distribution
In notice this week, DIU said it is looking for AI and machine learning tools that can speed up data processing at the Navy’s Marine Operations Centers.
Switzerland to expand EU defense ties with new cyber-defense role
Swiss defense planners have balanced these new engagements with Bern’s policy of armed neutrality.
Poland, Romania lead a drone bonanza in Eastern Europe
Local companies are vying for new customers besides their national armed forces.
Space Force eyes commercial tech to fill low Earth orbit sensing gaps
In a May 16 notice, the service calls for feedback from firms that can provide space domain awareness in the “increasingly congested orbital environment."
Opinion
Tariffs or not, China’s infiltration of US systems needs new attention
The challenge facing the U.S. and allied governments is how to protect systems, citizens, infrastructure and industries from data theft.
Amid demand for satellite support, Space Force leans on commercial
The service awarded contracts to two firms — Auria, formerly Boecore, and Sphinx Defense — to establish the cloud-based antenna marketplace prototype.
