Air Space Cyber 2017
Air Force taking steps to speed up space modernization
Space advocates on Capitol Hill have pounded the Air Force for the slow pace of modernization. The four-star general in charge of Air Force Space Command says the message has been heard loud and clear.
USAF puts space warfighting focus on awareness
With the recent development of the first space warfighting concepts of operation, U.S. Air Force space leaders are focusing more on development on better space situational awareness.
SpaceX forces Air Force to revise launch mindset
“SpaceX does not launch on schedule,” says Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith, commander, 45th Space Wing. “They launch on readiness.”
Air Force Reserve grooming space warriors
Air Force leaders generally agree that the service will need more skills in three key areas: space, cyber and intelligence. Where that talent will come from is still a matter of debate.
Mattis sees need for new space programs
“In space, we need new starts in order to take advantage of what industry can deliver if we are willing to invest there,” U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Sept. 20 at the annual Air Force Association Air Space Cyber conference.
Space industry awaits Air Force decisions on future launch services
Much is at stake for the space industry in how the Air Force proceeds with a “launch services agreement” that has been in the works for months. Bidders already have commented on an earlier draft request for proposals and are now awaiting the final RFP.
Air Force exploring ways to protect satellite networks from cyberattacks
The military is confident that its own spacecraft are tightly encrypted and unlikely to be taken down by hackers. It worries, however, about the vulnerability of commercial satellites that host military payloads.
Lockheed Martin unveils new satellite bus lineup
With both military and commercial customers seeking more choices in satellite size and orbit, Lockheed Martin has rolled out a new family of satellite buses that consolidate the customized spacecraft the company has previously developed.
Lower launch costs, smaller payloads will help shape space warfighting, Goldfein says
With both launch costs and payload size going down, it will be easier for the U.S. Air Force to deploy the right kinds of sensors and systems to fight future space wars that will depend more on information and networking, said Gen. David Goldfein, Air Force chief of staff.
Space could benefit from shift in Air Force investment strategy
When Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson recently visited an air warfare command center in the Middle East, she was “struck” by how different things are now compared to just a few years ago.
New ICBM gets boost after Mattis’ endorsement
The unexpected escalation of North Korea’s atomic weapons program and Russia’s nuclear posturing are providing fresh momentum to U.S. efforts to develop a new intercontinental ballistic missile.
Minotaur 4’s canceled commercial cubesat rideshares could spark policy changes
Following a decision to pull eight Spire commercial cubesats from an Orbital ATK Minotaur 4 launch from Cape Canaveral Aug. 26 carrying a military payload, the U.S. Air Force says it and other government agencies are crafting clear procedures on how to handle such future rideshare agreements.
Analysts see red flags in Northrop’s acquisition of Orbital ATK
One concern is what implications this merger could have in ongoing efforts to modernize the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missiles. Orbital ATK is one of two key suppliers of rocket motors that would power future ICBMs.
Wargaming tool sharpens space domain focus
As the U.S. Air Force looks to hone its recently issued warfighting operational concepts for space, Lockheed Martin has developed a digital battle manager that promises to integrate the domain into overall planning to a much greater degree than before.
Secretary Wilson: Air Force to step up advocacy of space
“I will continue to advocate for space for all the services, and in particular for the Air Force,” Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson said Sept. 18 at the Air Force Association’s Air Space Cyber conference here.
