Global MilSatCom 2018
Ground segment getting more attention in military space programs, U.S. leaders say
Building and launching spacecraft sometimes gets so much attention that the ground segment — user terminals, command and control systems and network operations —isn’t always ready even after a satellite is in space.
One reason to create a Space Development Agency? Bring the military services together
Ryals suggested a Space Development Agency could be helpful in providing a single voice for military space requirements.
Canada seeks buy-in for access to U.S. MUOS satellite system
The Canadian military, already a partner on two U.S. military satellite communications systems, is in discussions to use a third constellation that was until recently a U.S.-only system.
Air Force Space Command prepares to take over procurement of satellite communications
Grason: “We’re seeing a different type of support to get after the transformation, to elevate commercial satcom to where it needs to be, as vital infrastructure."
Military buyers struggle to sort through glut of commercial satellite communications services
Air Force satcom buyer Tom Becht: "We see a lot of independent commercial offerings. They are all good. But it would be nice if we could figure out how to do this from an enterprise perceptive.”
HTS, megaconstellations feed UK indecisiveness about Skynet 6 program
Commercial satellite technology is developing so fast, Britain’s Ministry of Defense isn’t certain its next-generation program will keep pace with what the future holds.
UK MoD still undecided on how to procure satellite communications
Julian Knight, head of the MoD’s networks delivery team, said Skynet 6 is at a “crossroads."
Italian military mulls smaller GEO satellites so it can launch them on Vega rockets
The Italian Ministry of Defense may use two satellites to replace a single existing satellite so that it can use the Italian-led Vega C or Vega E rocket, according to a defense official.
France to add third Syracuse 4 satellite to future milsatcom fleet
Col. Laurent Jannin, the head of French satcom programs at the French arms-procurement agency, DGA, said Nov. 6 that connectivity demands from drones and military aircraft drove the need for an additional satellite that will be launched by 2030 if not sooner.
As satellites become targets, UK military seeks closer ties with space industry
U.K. military official: “Here we have a sector in which we excel, which is daily growing more central to everyone’s lives, but is vulnerable to attack."
At small satellite conference, frustration about lagging efforts to deal with space junk
“Clearing all the debris out of LEO is expensive,” said DARPA's Fred Kennedy. “That’s what I fear. That this takes us to a place where I don’t know if it’s affordable.”
Space Force reorganization could raise profile of DARPA’s space missions
The Pentagon wants to stand up a Space Development Agency that presumably would take over space projects like Blackjack.
