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…

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.

DARPA planning responsive launch competition

DARPA, which has a checkered history of supporting development of new launch vehicles, is planning to start a competition offering prizes for responsive launch systems.

SmallSat Symposium

The SmallSat Symposium is the undisputed Business and Finance Conference for Small Satellites.

World leaders and experts unlock the knowledge required to leverage smallsat innovation and cutting-edge technology into next generation solution…

DARPA laying groundwork for growth in-space robotics

The forward-leaning technology arm of the U.S. Defense Department is betting that in just a few years, the business of sending robots to high orbit to repair and refresh satellites will be so successful that the government and the industry should now begin to discuss rules and protocols.

Federal court dismisses Orbital ATK suit over satellite servicing program

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Orbital ATK seeking to stop work on a DARPA satellite servicing program, concluding the company’s claims had no basis in federal law.