Air Force Research Laboratory
Small launch startup ABL secures over $90 million in new funding and Air Force contracts
ABL says the funding will accelerate the development of its two-stage launch vehicle and mobile infrastructure.
L3Harris cleared to begin production of Air Force NTS-3 navigation satellite
The Air Force said the Navigation Technology Satellite-3 has passed a critical design review.
Report proposes actions to strengthen U.S. space industry and military capabilities
One of the narratives in the report is that the United States is at risk of being displaced by China as the world's space superpower.
Planting the seeds of technology for the future Space Force
A conversation with Col. Eric Felt, director of AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate in which he discusses how the U.S. Space Force is small in size but big on technology.
Space Force thinking about NASA-style partnerships with private companies
Felt said NASA’s commercial crew program is “super exciting” and one that the Space Force can learn from.
Roccor completes key tests of Link 16 satellite antenna
Roccor has completed radio frequency testing of the antenna scheduled for launch later this year on the satellite housing Viasat’s Link 16 military communications terminal.
National security space conference to propose plan to boost industrial base
A group with more than 150 government and industry officials will recommend greater investments in space technology and education.
On National Security | Latest reorganization gives Space Force a big R&D boost
The leaders of the Space Force have insisted that technological innovation that can be quickly adapted into military programs is central to staying ahead of adversaries. Projects like those developed by AFRL could get more attention and resources under the Space Force.
Air Force gives nod to L3Harris to continue development of NTS-3 navigation satellite
The NTS-3 satellite developed by L3Harris for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory has passed a preliminary design review.
Blue Origin to test lunar lander engine at Air Force lab
Blue Origin will perform tests of the engine it is developing for its Blue Moon lunar lander at a U.S. Air Force Research Lab test site, the two organizations announced Jan. 27.
Small launch startup ABL Space Systems to test rocket hardware at Edwards Air Force Base
A key capability that AFRL wants to demonstrate with ABL Space Systems is remote launch.
Roccor touts advantages of retractable solar sails
Roccor is hoping the recent success of the Planetary Society’s Lightsail 2 will bolster interest in a retractable solar sail the Longmont, Colorado, small business displayed at the Small Satellite Conference here.
Air Force experimental satellite billed as the ‘largest unmanned structure in space’
The DSX satellite will collect data that will be used to study the radiation environment in space.
Air Force, DoD research organizations call for space industrial policies to counter China
A new report warns of China’s stealth investments in U.S space companies and the country’s coordinated public-private efforts to dominate markets.
Air Force laying groundwork for future military use of commercial megaconstellations
Low-cost internet access from LEO constellations is one of the products that the Air Force wants to be able to acquire and use as soon as possible.
Air Force smallsat to fly on upcoming Falcon 9 launch
An experimental Air Force small satellite intended to test space situational awareness technologies will be a secondary payload on the upcoming Falcon 9 launch of a commercial communications satellite and lunar lander.
