SMC
Air Force insists launch competition must stay on schedule
The upcoming release of the Air Force RPF for launch services was a hot topic last week at the 35th Space Symposium
Atlas Space Operations wins Air Force antenna contract
The U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) in partnership with the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit awarded Atlas Space Operations a contract to prototype an electronically steered antenna array to support Air Force multi-band, multi-mission requirements.
Defense contractors see growth in space
Defense contractors ManTech and Parsons eye opportunities in space.
Air Force just months away from completing SMC 2.0 reorganization
The question of how SMC is positioning itself for the future is gaining attention in light of the Pentagon’s decision to establish a Space Development Agency, which some view as a long-term existential threat to SMC.
Is the Space Development Agency a threat to SMC?
From what we know so far about SDA’s intended mission — to bring cutting-edge commercial space technology into military space systems — this does not pose a direct threat to SMC, says one of its former commanders, retired Air Force Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski.
Air Force official shakes things up at SMC
At an AFCEA conference last week in Los Angeles, Teehan spoke about changes looming at SMC.
Aerospace Corp. to lay out strategy to ‘outpace the threat’ in space
Aerospace CEO Isakowitz: The government traditionally buys a bus, payload and ground segment as a package, he said. That does not give you flexibility to swap out and change pieces.
Air Force vice chief says space procurement is on the right path
WASHINGTON — Air Force buyers of space systems are cutting red tape and removing layers of oversight to expedite programs, Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Stephen Wilson said on Wednesday.
Wilson said the reorganization of the A…
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.
RL10 engine added to Air Force agreement with Aerojet Rocketdyne
Aerojet Rocketdyne and the U.S. Air Force have revised an existing agreement supporting development of a new large rocket engine to include work on an updated version of an upper stage engine.
Air Force chief buyer: Don’t believe the hype, space procurement ‘not broken’
Thompson: SMC is a "great industrial age model for building space weapons systems in a benign environment” but not suited to the current geopolitical reality.
Arabsat Falcon Heavy mission slated for December-January timeframe
SpaceX’s first Falcon Heavy launch with a commercial satellite is scheduled to occur around the end of the year, according to customer Arabsat.
Air Force focus on resilience means big changes for spacecraft manufacturing and testing
The U.S. Air Force's plans to respond to emerging threats by launching constellations of satellites. That strategy has important implications for spacecraft manufacturing and testing.
Air Force aims for reliable launch services in spite of dramatic changes in commercial, military space
In the future, the U.S. Air Force will launch satellites of all different sizes for customers with varying degrees of risk tolerance.
Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson in conversation with SpaceNews
Wilson sat down with SpaceNews at the recent Space Symposium in Colorado Springs to discuss the ongoing reorganization of the Space and Missile Systems Center, space investment priorities and her plans to secure congressional support for budgets and management reforms.
A test for Air Force space technology buyers: Fast prototyping
"Other transactions authorities" allow the Air Force to go faster to prototyping.
