Stealth startup lone remaining contender in DARPA responsive launch challenge

A three-way launch contest is now down to one unidentified company after two competitors backed out, DARPA announced Oct. 22.

Former SDA boss Fred Kennedy answers the questions we’ve waited months to ask

Fred Kennedy spoke with SpaceNews about leaving the Space Development Agency, his public clash with Air Force leaders at the 2019 Space Symposium and his future plans.

DARPA scoping the market for small satellite launchers

As it plans future experiments DARPA wants to take advantage of the growing availability of launch options.

Seeking next-gen antennas? Remain flexible.

Satellite operators ranging from lean startups to powerful defense agencies are experimenting with flexible materials that fold compactly for launch and expand in orbit to create large communications antennas.

BAE wins DARPA contract to develop machine learning technology for space operations  

BAE Systems originally won the contract for the Hallmark Tools, Capabilities, and Evaluation Methodology program in November 2017.

DARPA’s satellite servicing robot to get another shot

DARPA program manager Joe Parrish: 'There are new players interested in partnering'

Military Space USA

SMi Group, organizers of Global MilSatcom, are proud to present the Military Space USA conference and exhibition; convening in Los Angeles on June 11th and 12th 2019.

Featuring high level briefings from senior leadership across industry, g…

Air Force unmanned aircraft developer Mike Leahy tapped to replace Fred Kennedy at DARPA

Leahy is best known in defense technology circles as the “father of the X-45."

Three companies selected for DARPA Launch Challenge

Three launch vehicle developers, one of which is still in stealth mode, have qualified to compete in a DARPA competition in early 2020 to demonstrate responsive launch capabilities.

Rocket Lab launches DARPA satellite

Rocket Lab successfully launched an experimental satellite for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency March 28 as the company looks to move to a monthly cadence of launches.

DARPA continues work on satellite servicing program as it seeks new ride

Nearly two months after Maxar dropped out of a DARPA program to demonstrate satellite servicing, the agency is continuing to develop the servicing technology as it examines options to get it into space.

Rocket Lab launch of DARPA satellite slips

Rocket Lab’s first launch of the year, which was scheduled for late February, has been pushed back to the second half of March because of the delayed arrival of its payload, an experimental military satellite.

Maxar’s exit from DARPA satellite servicing program a cautionary tale

James Vedda, analyst at Aerospace Corp., said the RSGS setback should not be read “as an indictment of satellite servicing.”

SSL cancels DARPA satellite servicer agreement

The company said it backed out the servicer program in order to focus on "other capital priorities, such as WorldView Legion.”

DARPA assembling team of Blackjack players

Commercial space companies regard Blackjack as a huge opportunity to break into the military market, and have urged DARPA to not allow Blackjack to turn into a typical plodding Pentagon procurement program.

Rocket Lab to launch DARPA satellite

Small launch vehicle developer Rocket Lab will launch an experimental satellite for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in February, the first of a planned dozen launches in 2019.