DoD
Report: U.S. military space programs at risk of losing domestic sources of key components
DoD space programs need to invest in new technology and qualify new suppliers to ensure they have access to domestic sources, the Pentagon said in a report released Jan. 14.
Omnibus spending bill gives Space Force its first separate budget
The package approved by Congress for fiscal year 2021 provides $696 billion for the Defense Department, including $15.2 billion for the U.S. Space Force.
Survey: Despite interest in commercial satcom, U.S. military favors legacy systems
A survey of military organizations funded by ViaSat reveals that many don’t have access to modern communications technology despite growing availability of commercial satellite services.
Trump administration’s national space policy formalizes Space Force role
The Trump administration released a new national space policy Dec. 9 that recognizes the U.S. Space Force as the primary organization responsible for defending the nation’s interests in space.
Biden nominates retired general Austin to be the first African-American to run the Pentagon
President-elect Joe Biden announced his pick to be the next secretary of defense is retired Army four-star general Lloyd Austin.
Biden transition meetings scheduled this week with DoD intelligence agencies
The Biden-Harris transition team this week is scheduled to meet with officials from intelligence agencies overseen by the Defense Department, the Pentagon said Dec. 5.
Commerce Department drafting space traffic management concepts as it awaits funding
The transfer of space traffic management responsibilities from the military to a civilian agency in the Commerce Department is moving ahead even though Congress has yet to provide funding and authorities.
Trump ousts defense secretary Mark Esper
In a tweet Nov. 9, President Donald Trump announced he fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper and appointed Christopher Miller as acting secretary.
Pentagon creates new office to oversee military space policy
DoD announced Oct. 30 it has established the office of the assistant secretary of defense for space policy.
On National Security | How the military buys satellites may have reached a turning point
The idea that DoD can save time, money and make space systems more resilient by moving to proliferated systems has been talked about for years. But many reform efforts could not overcome bureaucratic inertia.
Pentagon has not shown COVID stimulus helps small businesses, says HASC chairman
Rep. Adam Smith: “We remain concerned that COVID relief money isn’t getting to the right people."
U.S. Transportation Command to study use of SpaceX rockets to move cargo around the world
Gen. Stephen Lyons: “Think about moving the equivalent of a C-17 payload anywhere on the globe in less than an hour."
Military commanders could use more satellites for tactical surveillance
Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach: “Yes, I am absolutely in favor of more space-based ISR."
Pentagon report: China amassing arsenal of anti-satellite weapons
DoD report: China intends to pursue ASAT weapons capable of destroying satellites up to geosynchronous Earth orbit.
As he welcomes new space commander, Esper warns of threats to U.S. satellites
The United States is the dominant space power and the "gains we possess are being threatened," said Defense Secretary Mark Esper
