Small Satellites and Disruptive Space Technologies Focus Day

Exploring How Innovation is Revolutionising Access to Space

As space-based satellite systems continue to act as a key enabler for terrestrial operations, the need to access and exploit constellations effectively remains critical for intern…

Air Force could assume bigger role in DARPA’s Blackjack program

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Blackjack is small compared to traditional military space procurements but it is one of the most talked about space projects.

Descartes Labs joins DARPA geospatial initiative

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency awarded Descartes Labs, a $2.9 million contract to bring its geospatial analytics platform into DARPA’s geospatial cloud, the Santa Fe, New Mexico, startup announced Sept. 12.

Rescind the proposed budget cut for launching DARPA’s RSGS robotic servicing spacecraft

The need to use these spacecraft also as bodyguards is the strongest reason to rescind the Senate's proposed budget cut for launching our first robotic servicing spacecraft. Any delay in its launch would greatly increase the chance of a space Pearl Harbor.

DARPA hopes for budget compromise on satellite servicing mission

The Trump administration objected to funding cuts that would delay RSGS launch, calling it an “innovative public-private partnership to demonstrate on-orbit repair, refueling and other servicing capabilities."

DARPA, companies declare success in AR-22 engine test series

A government-industry team announced July 10 they successfully completed a series of 10 test firings over 10 days of a shuttle-era engine intended for use on a reusable suborbital spaceplane.

Engine tests underway for DARPA spaceplane program

A space shuttle-era main engine is undergoing a series of daily test firings to demonstrate its suitability for use on a reusable spaceplane under development.

Orbital ATK, SSL and others are gearing up to make house calls to ailing satellites

Satellite owners, satellite manufacturers, NASA and DARPA are planning a series of demonstrations to prove spacecraft can be repaired or refueled in orbit without the type of ambitious and expensive effort NASA devoted to servicing the Hubble Space Telescope.

How about a U.S. Space Guard? • DoD steps up AI push amid Google firestorm • DARPA lays groundwork for military LEO constellation

President Trump has floated a Space Force as a separate and equal branch of the military like the the Air Force. Now comes another thought: A Space Guard fashioned after the U.S. Coast Guard.

On National Security | Big hurdles for small satellites in the military market

The Pentagon’s research arm, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, wants to disrupt the military space business.

DARPA to begin new effort to build military constellations in low Earth orbit

DARPA plans to award $117.5 million in contracts over three phases to up to eight bus or payload suppliers.

DoD space debate headed to Senate • Mattis: ‘We have to define the problem’ • SecAF Wilson confident of 2022 RD-180 retirement

The makeover of the military’s space cadre remains a contentious issue as the FY-19 National Defense Authorization Act advances through Congress.

DARPA working group begins addressing concerns related to proximity operations and satellite servicing

A major challenge facing companies planning to perform on-orbit servicing will be ensuring satellite operators do not view their activities as potential threats.

DARPA announces responsive launch prize competition

DARPA announced a prize competition April 18 to demonstrate the ability to rapidly launch small satellites, a competition whose regulatory challenges may tower over its technical ones.

DARPA sees clear path to faster, cheaper space technology

DARPA Director Walker: “We have been saying this for 10 years: We want to see a shift to LEO, get capabilities in larger constellations.”

SN Military.Space | DoD space budget: Billions for next-gen satellites, launch vehicles; New funding lines for ‘rapid acquisitions’

An initial look at the budget documents released on Monday reveals that spending on space is up only modestly but that priorities appear to be shifting.