Military
Weather models improve with COSMIC-2 and Spire Global data
The U.S. Air Force and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts noted significant improvements in numerical weather prediction models with the recent addition of global navigation satellite system radio occultation datasets.
Northrop Grumman completes ground test of solid booster for ULA’s Vulcan Centaur
The GEM 63XL motors will fly on ULA's Vulcan Centaur rocket in 2021.
DoD technology buyers defend need for secrecy in space programs
Space RCO Director Mike Roberts: “What we do is classified for a reason.”
Air Force X-37B spaceplane wins prized aeronautical award
The National Aeronautic Association awarded the Boeing X-37B the 2019 Robert J. Collier Trophy.
Space Force foresees need for fast response launch vehicles and in-space logistics
“Space mobility and logistics” are identified in the new Space Force doctrine as core competencies of the service.
Government’s role in the small launch market not quite black and white
The U.S. government, particularly the Defense Department, will play a decisive role in selecting which small launch providers stay in business.
Tory Bruno on ULA’s big win: ‘We knew we were going to be competitive’
Bruno said the recent Phase 2 contract awards show ULA's pricing is competitive.
U.S. Space Force unveils doctrine explaining its role in national security
The Spacepower document is the Space Force's first capstone doctrine
Air Force to end agreements with Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman, prepares for launch contract protests
Following the Phase 2 decision, the Air Force is preparing for the possibility of contractor protests.
With Thompson’s nomination, U.S. Space Force leadership takes shape
If confirmed, Thompson will be the second four-star general in the U.S. Space Force under Gen. John “Jay” Raymond.
Defense Department space policy official Stephen Kitay stepping down
Kitay has submitted his resignation effective August 21.
News Analysis | With Pentagon award, SpaceX joins the establishment
Six years ago, SpaceX was the upstart launch company seeking to break United Launch Alliance’s monopoly on national security space launches. Now, it’s part of the establishment.
Pentagon picks SpaceX and ULA to remain its primary launch providers
The Pentagon has selected SpaceX and United Launch Alliance to conduct potentially dozens of national security launches between fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2027
Veteran manufacturers question pricing strategy of newcomers
Manufacturers agreed the cost of cubesats and small satellites of all sizes will decline as constellation developers and operators begin placing larger orders.
U.S. military space architecture to bring in commercial systems, small satellites
Col. Russell Teehan said commercially developed technologies will be part of the future capabilities of the U.S. Space Force.
California seeks to expand commercial space launch at Vandenberg Air Force Base
The state will look at the required infrastructure, human capital development and financing necessary to support a commercial spaceport at Vandenberg.
