DoD
Defense nominee Mark Esper calls on Congress to provide ‘necessary resources’ to stand up Space Force
Esper told the SASC that, if confirmed, he intends to get involved in the Space Force legislative debate.
Trump nominates Esper, Spencer temporarily takes over as Pentagon chief
Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer became the third acting secretary of defense since Jim Mattis resigned.
Joint Chiefs nominee backs Senate’s piecemeal approach to establish Space Force
Gen. Mark Milley said he fully supports the establishment of a Space Force and rejects the criticism that the new branch is just an “added layer of bureaucracy.”
Space in transition as DoD leaders depart in quick succession
In the coming weeks, the Defense Department, the Air Force and the Army will have new secretaries.
Wilson: New acting Pentagon chief Esper a ‘good choice’
DoD sources said Esper is likely to continue to advocate for space investments.
Top general says large constellations of satellites in low orbit could address key needs
Gen. Paul Selva: Military forces in the field need “ubiquitous communications”
Shanahan out as SecDef nominee, Esper named acting secretary
Shanahan “has decided not to go forward with his confirmation process so that he can devote more time to his family,” President Trump tweeted.
House appropriators deny Space Force funding, call on DoD to study alternatives
The HAC notes that the decision to not back the $72 million request should not be read as a complete rejection of the idea of establishing a Space Force.
Thornberry bill would help venture-backed startups compete for DoD small business awards
Thornberry is proposing legislation that would make it easier for startups like Capella Space to continue to get private funding and compete for DoD small business awards.
Shanahan’s nomination to be defense secretary gives continuity to space reorganization
Shanahan: “I am honored by today’s announcement of President Trump’s intent to nominate."
Pentagon challenges CBO’s cost estimates for new space organizations
DoD spokesman: “The establishment of the United States Space Force is a small investment to ensure American leadership in space."
House appropriators press for details on Space Force cost and organization
Defense appropriators complained about a lack of information despite efforts by Pentagon officials to brief lawmakers and staffs since the proposal was rolled out in late February.
Congressional panel looks at national security implications of China’s space ambitions
The United States should do more to protect its space systems and build capabilities as a form of deterrence, experts said.
DoD IG: Air Force Secretary questioned ethics of Shanahan’s 2018 meeting with Elon Musk
DoD IG report says Musk told Shanahan that SpaceX did not win an Air Force launch service contract because it had written a poor proposal that “missed the mark.”
Pentagon wants a Space Force, still undecided on a Space National Guard
Seven states have National Guard space units: Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, New York, Arkansas and Ohio.
Pentagon makes strong pitch for Space Force as NDAA 2020 markup nears
Kitay: Actions in space “will directly affect the outcome of future conflicts or crises."
