Military
Space Force looking to deploy radar satellites to track moving targets on the ground
The U.S. Air Force wants to use small radar satellites to track moving objects on the ground and the Space Force will help to make it happen, chief of space operations Gen. John Raymond said May 12.
Space Force seeks bids for rocket engine testing and space transportation technologies
The U.S. Space Force on May 11 issued requests for proposals for next-generation rocket engine testing, launch vehicle upper stage enhancements, and capabilities to maneuver in space.
Space Force renames Florida-based launch wing Space Launch Delta 45
The U.S. Space Force has officially renamed the 45th Space Wing that oversees Florida’s launch ranges Space Launch Delta 45.
Senate Intelligence chairman wants further review of decision to relocate U.S. Space Command
The chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) is backing efforts by Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) to challenge the relocation of U.S. Space Command.
After Chinese rocket reentry, DoD calls for countries to ‘behave responsibly’
Less than two days after parts of an uncontrolled Chinese rocket fell into the Indian Ocean, the Pentagon said allowing a large booster to free fall toward Earth is “irresponsible behavior.”
OneWeb creating government subsidiary after buying TrustComm
OneWeb, the U.K.-headquartered low Earth orbit (LEO) broadband operator, is buying Texas-based managed satcoms provider TrustComm to create a new government subsidiary.
Defense appropriators ‘disappointed’ with management of Space Force acquisitions
The Space Force has to make more headway in acquisition programs, the chair of the House Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee said May 7.
Northrop Grumman to supply navigation payloads for DARPA’s Blackjack satellites
DARPA awarded Northrop Grumman a $13.3 million contract to provide positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) payloads for the Blackjack program.
Space Force tells troops to focus on digital skills
The U.S. Space Force on May 6 released its “Vision for a Digital Service.”
Hughes and OneWeb get U.S. Air Force contract for Arctic broadband
The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has contracted low Earth orbit broadband venture OneWeb to demo managed satcom services in strategic Arctic locations.
U.S. Air Force to investigate aborted ICBM test flight
An unarmed Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missile test launch experienced a ground abort during the terminal countdown May 5.
Space Force to clear refurbished Falcon 9 booster for upcoming GPS launch
The U.S. Space Force this month will complete a design review of a SpaceX Falcon 9 booster that flew a military GPS satellite to orbit last fall. The booster will be cleared to fly another GPS satellite sometime in June.
Loft Orbital wins Space Force contract for edge computing in space
Loft Orbital announced it won a small business innovation research (SBIR) contract from the U.S. Space Force to support the development of an edge computer that can analyze data in space.
Study calls on U.S. to change how it buys space technology, reduce congestion in low orbits
The Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress released a new report May 4 calling on the U.S. government to accelerate the procurement of commercial space technologies and manage growing congestion in low-Earth orbit.
Rocket engine startup sees opportunities in crowded launch market
The small launch sector is crowded, but Will Roper believes there is still room in the market for suppliers of rocket engines that innovate fast.
Sen. Angus King: Cybersecurity a major concern in U.S. nuclear command-and-control system
The U.S. nuclear command, control and communications system could be vulnerable to cyber attacks and needs upgrades, Sen. Angus King told reporters May 1.
