DARPA
DARPA to begin launching Blackjack satellites in late 2020
Three payloads will fly to low Earth orbit in late 2020 and early 2021 to start building an optically meshed network.
Lockheed Martin wins DARPA contract to integrate Blackjack satellites
Lockheed Martin will integrate satellite buses and payloads with data processors.
DARPA picks Northrop Grumman as its commercial partner for satellite servicing program
Under the agreement, DARPA will provide the robotics payload for a Mission Robotic Vehicle.
DARPA Launch Challenge ends without winner
A DARPA responsive launch competition that started two years ago came to an end March 2 without a winner as the sole remaining team was forced to scrub their final launch attempt less than a minute before liftoff.
DARPA makes last-minute change to launch competition rules
With just a week before the first scheduled launch in DARPA’s responsive launch competition, the agency is tweaking the rules to allow the sole remaining company to perform both launches from the same spaceport.
Boeing drops out of DARPA Experimental Spaceplane program
Boeing has decided to no longer continue development of an experimental suborbital spaceplane for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the latest setback for DARPA’s long-running efforts in space access.
DARPA’s big bet on Blackjack
The pressure is on for Blackjack to deliver on its stated goal: deploy 20 satellites by 2022 to demonstrate that LEO systems can be a more resilient and affordable alternative to the Defense Department’s exquisite and costly geosynchronous satellites.
DARPA Director Steven Walker stepping down
Walker’s resignation is effective January 10, 2020.
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'
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.
