Military
Policy directive on GPS issued in closing days of Trump administration
Space Policy Directive-7 highlights the United States’ ever growing dependence on space-based positioning, navigation and timing.
After further review, Space Force confirms selection of NSTXL to manage industry consortium
National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) on Jan. 15 received a contract to manage the U.S. Space Force’s Space Enterprise Consortium for the next 10 years.
Report: U.S. military space programs at risk of losing domestic sources of key components
DoD space programs need to invest in new technology and qualify new suppliers to ensure they have access to domestic sources, the Pentagon said in a report released Jan. 14.
Alabama’s Redstone Arsenal selected as future home of U.S. Space Command
The U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, was picked as the preferred location of U.S. Space Command’s headquarters.
NGA wants faster access to commercial geospatial data
The NGA and NRO are stepping up research to better understand the emerging commercial geospatial intelligence market.
45th Space Wing forecasts more than 50 launches in 2021
As many as 53 space missions are projected to lift off in 2021 from Florida’s Space Coast, the vice commander of the 45th Space Wing said Jan. 12.
L3Harris develops electronic antenna for command and control of military satellites
L3Harris Technologies announced Jan. 12 it completed the development of an electronic phased array ground antenna for the U.S. Space Force.
White House executive order promotes development of space and defense nuclear power systems
Less than a month after issuing a policy directive on space nuclear power, the White House released an executive order Jan. 12 seeking to promote the development of small nuclear reactors for space and defense applications.
Aerojet Rocketdyne completes assembly of its first AR1 rocket engine
Aerojet Rocketdyne has completed the assembly of the first AR1, a new rocket engine funded by the U.S. Air Force.
Space Force stands up new office to support U.S. intelligence community
The U.S. Space Force on Jan. 8 officially became the 18th member of the U.S. intelligence community.
Space Development Agency restores L3Harris, SpaceX contracts following protest
Following a series of contract protests, the Space Development Agency again awarded SpaceX a $149 million contract and L3Harris a $193.5 million contract to each build four satellites to detect and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles
Space Force needs sensors to distinguish weapons from benign objects
The ability to “characterize threats” is a major challenge for the U.S. Space Force, said Maj. Gen. Leah Lauderback.
DARPA satellites damaged at processing facility ahead of SpaceX launch
Two satellites from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency that were part of a SpaceX rideshare mission were damaged Jan. 4 at the payload processing facility.
Head of U.S. Strategic Command blasts GBSD critics: ‘Minuteman 3 cannot be life-extended’
The commander of U.S. Strategic Command Adm. Charles Richard said the Pentagon has to procure a new intercontinental ballistic missile and updating Cold War-era systems is not an acceptable option.
Lockheed Martin gets $4.9 billion contract to build three missile-warning satellites for U.S. Space Force
Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $4.9 billion contract for the production of three geosynchronous Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared satellites.
Space Force’s small launch program looks to pick up pace after a year of delays
The Space Force says it plans to evaluate as many emerging small launch providers as possible.
