Military
Report highlights U.S. concerns over China’s space infrastructure in South America
The expansion of Chinese ground stations in South America is generating concern regarding Beijing’s intentions in the region and in space, according to a new report.
After successful first launch, Firefly sets sight on national security market
After winning a $17.6 million Space Force contract for a 2023 mission, Firefly eyes more opportunities in the military market
UK, South Korea join ASAT test ban, raising like-minded countries to seven
The United Kingdom and South Korea have pledged not to conduct direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) missile testing, throwing their weight behind the U.S.-driven initiative launched in April to promote peaceful and safe use of outer space.
Space Force in discussions with industry on future market for space surveillance data
Companies in the space domain awareness market are eager to work with the Space Force but need a clearer picture of future demand
Ball Aerospace wins $176 million contract to build and operate 10 satellites for Space Development Agency
The Space Development Agency announced Oct. 4 it awarded Ball Aerospace a $176 million contract to build, operate and secure launch services for 10 experimental satellites.
AEI claims majority stake in York Space Systems
AE Industrial Partners announced plans Oct. 4 to acquire a majority stake in York Space Systems, a small satellite manufacturer and turnkey mission operator based in Denver.
Viasat sells tactical data communications business to L3Harris for $1.96 billion
L3Harris Technologies has agreed to acquire Viasat’s tactical data link business for $1.96 billion, the companies announced Oct. 3.
Space Development Agency is now officially part of the Space Force
The Space Development Agency was officially transferred to the U.S. Space Force, Oct. 1.
Firefly, Millennium Space selected for U.S. Space Force rapid-launch demonstration
The U.S. Space Systems Command announced Sept. 30 it selected Firefly Space Transport Services and Millennium Space Systems to conduct a demonstration of a rapid-response space mission to low Earth orbit in 2023.
Space surveillance telescope developed by the U.S. begins operations in Australia
The Space Surveillance Telescope, declared operational Sept. 30, will join the network of sensors used by the United States, Australia and other allies to track objects in orbit
Space Force studying requirements for cislunar space domain awareness
The Space Force expects to know by next spring what capabilities it will need to carry out space domain awareness activities in cislunar space.
Senate confirms Saltzman as next chief of the U.S. Space Force
The Senate on Sept. 29 confirmed the nomination of Lt. Gen. B. Chance Saltzman for promotion to general and assignment as the chief of space operations of the U.S. Space Force
Kendall: Power competition in space becoming more destabilizing
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said China and Russia "have been working on offensive capability to counter our space systems."
Majority of tracked Russian ASAT debris has deorbited
Nearly two-thirds of the debris tracked from last year’s Russian anti-satellite (ASAT) test has since deorbited, but it could take more than a decade for the rest to reenter.
Guetlein: improved space domain awareness essential for national security
With space essential to military operations, better understanding of what objects are in orbit and the threats they may pose is “foundational” for space security, a Space Force general said.
Lamborn: ‘Merit on both sides’ of debate over Space National Guard
Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), a key congressional proponent of establishing a Space National Guard, said he would consider an alternative proposal endorsed by Space Force leaders and by the Biden administration.
