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‘State of the space industrial base’ report calls for national plan to compete with China
The "State of the Space Industrial Base 2022" report urges the U.S. government to lay out a national strategy for space that embraces the private sector as a key partner
Commercial geospatial technologies that detect GPS disruptions to be tested in military exercises
U.S. military and allied forces in upcoming exercises will put to the test commercial technologies that could help detect GPS jamming or other activities that disrupt satellite-based navigation.
DoD signaling demand for satellite support services in geostationary orbit
The Defense Innovation Unit is funding space projects that the agency hopes will spur commercial investments in satellite refueling technologies and support services for geostationary satellites.
Defense Innovation Unit selects contractors to build hybrid space network
Anduril, Aalyria, Atlas Space and Enveil won contracts for the Defense Innovation Unit's hybrid space architecture program
DIU selects nuclear-powered spacecraft designs for 2027 demonstrations
The Defense Innovation Unit announced May 17 it selected Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. and Avalanche to develop small nuclear-powered spacecraft for in-space demonstrations planned for 2027.
Space Force looking at what it will take to refuel satellites in orbit
The U.S. Space Force in 2025 plans to launch to geostationary orbit three small satellites that will attempt to dock with a propellant tanker so they can be refueled in space.
Defense Innovation Unit taps Lyten to develop high-performance batteries for small satellites
Lyten, a battery manufacturer based in California, has prototyped an advanced battery design for small satellites under a contract from the Defense Innovation Unit.
U.S. Defense Innovation Unit selects Maxar to produce robotic arms for on-orbit servicing
Maxar Technologies won a $9.3 million Defense Department contract to design and deliver two in-space servicing robotic arms for the Defense Innovation Unit.
New report calls for U.S. strategy to boost space economy
U.S. national security space organizations released a report Nov. 18 proposing ways to boost the nation’s space economy and technology base.
DoD seeks ideas for connecting government and commercial satellites
The Defense Innovation Unit in a new solicitation is asking the companies for ideas on how to build a “hybrid architecture” of government and commercial satellites.
DoD looking for commercially available nuclear propulsion for small spacecraft
The Defense Innovation Unit last week issued a call for bids for small nuclear-powered engines for space missions beyond Earth orbit.
Astra to make next orbital launch attempt in late August for the Space Force
Small launch vehicle developer Astra will carry a test payload for the U.S. Space Force on its next attempt to reach orbit in August.
DIU director Michael Brown withdraws as Pentagon acquisition nominee
President Biden’s pick to serve as undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, Michael Brown, has withdrawn his nomination.
Defense Innovation Unit selects ABL Space to launch DoD mission
Small launch startup ABL Space Systems announced May 17 it was selected by the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit to launch a military payload.
Technology race against China a key concern for Pentagon acquisition nominee
Michael Brown, director of the Defense Innovation Unit, was nominated by President Biden to serve as undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment.
Relativity Space wins U.S. military contract for 2023 launch
Relativity Space was selected to launch a small U.S. military payload to orbit in 2023 using a 3D-printed rocket.
DoD grapples with how to bring in new space technology to military systems
DoD has to transition to a space architecture that takes advantage of emerging technologies, Steve Butow, director of the Defense Innovation Unit’s space portfolio, said at the SmallSat Symposium.
U.S. military eyes a role in the great power competition for lunar resources
DIU space director Butow: “We have the power where it make sense of leveraging and using public private partnerships to our advantage.”
Report proposes actions to strengthen U.S. space industry and military capabilities
One of the narratives in the report is that the United States is at risk of being displaced by China as the world's space superpower.
Three companies studying “Orbital Outpost” space station concepts for Defense Department
Three companies have received study contracts from a Defense Department agency regarding concepts for small, uncrewed space stations in low Earth orbit, although none of the awards yet fund spacecraft construction.
