From the Magazine
The not-quite-tangible reality of Virtual Ground Stations
The satellite communications industry could be just years away from being able to run modems and other ground station hardware in the cloud, although many technical challenges remain to be solved.
New Space Force procurement shop subscribes to the space-as-a-service model
The Space Force is bucking traditional military procurement programs with a shop built to buy technologies that the space industry provides as a service.
On National Security | It’s no secret: Keeping space allies in the dark hurts the U.S.
Secrecy is innate to military space, and it’s been that way since the start. But officials are increasingly expressing frustration with a classification system that at times appears to be doing more harm than good.
Op-ed | Parking spots for satellites reduce congestion, promote technological growth
The time is now for governments, technologists, and investors to collaborate on how to define and allocate orbital slots and capacity – namely the positions above Earth occupied by satellites — as part of an improved approach to space traffic management.
Op-ed | SpaceX fans should stand behind NASA and support Artemis
This time we want to go to the moon and stay, sustainably and permanently. And then Mars. Apollo was a false start, but Artemis could be the real start.
Connecting the Dots | Identifying satellite UFOs
While tracking more and more objects orbiting Earth is crucial to ensure a safe operating environment, so is the ability to identify them correctly. Space-Track, provided by the U.S. Space Force’s 18th Space Squadron, offers one of the most comprehensive databases of orbital observations.
War in Ukraine shifts priorities among European government agencies
The war in Ukraine has prompted European civil and military space to revise budgets, programs, and policies to fortify launch capabilities and meet emerging needs.
Foust Forward | Hard choices facing commercial space stations
For all the optimism about the development of commercial space stations, the International Astronautical Congress also showed the lingering concern about the business case for such stations, be it for research, tourism or other space agencies.
Op-ed | You can’t go to space on a Ford Pinto (and other harsh truths I learned courting venture capital)
Daunted but undeterred, I set off into the depths of venture capitalism, strategy, marketing, pitches, PowerPoint slides, NewSpace, small talk, zero-sum games, and artificial politeness.
Shift to remote work draws mixed reactions
Space companies are divided on the merits of remote working practices as greater flexibility becomes commonplace.
Finding balance within the space ecosystem: Q&A with JPL Director Laurie Leshin
SpaceNews spoke with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s new director to learn more about the JPL’s future vision.
Jumping on the direct-to-cell bandwagon
More satellite operators are considering providing services directly to standard mobile phones following early product launches, big-name announcements, and progress startups are making for their dedicated constellations.
Op-ed | Preparing for NASA’s Satcom Future
With industry efforts now outpacing what government could ever do, we must look to leverage that investment for NASA’s and other customers’ purposes.
On National Security | Tough to-do list for new Space Force boss
The first chief of the U.S. Space Force, Gen. John “Jay” Raymond, is preparing to hand over the reins of the newest military branch to his successor Gen. B. Chance Saltzman.
Launch on demand: If satellites are shot down, will Space Force be ready to restock?
Responsive space launch capabilities are gaining more attention as world events that underline the strategic value of satellites also makes them more attractive targets for adversaries.
Shift to remote work draws mixed reactions
Some space company leaders are embracing the trend toward remote work. Others caution against it. In any case, the pandemic has changed the calculus for current and prospective employees.
