SMC
End of an era: Space and Missile Systems Center is now Space Systems Command
The U.S. Space Force on Aug. 13 official renamed the Space and Missile Systems Center as the Space Systems Command.
ABL, Astra, Relativity selected to compete for U.S. Space Force responsive launch contracts
ABL Space Systems Corp, Astra Space and Relativity Space will join a pool of launch providers that are eligible to compete for missions awarded under the U.S. Space Force Orbital Services Program (OSP)-4.
Space Force developing “freight train to space” for smallsats
The U.S. Space Force plans to demonstrate later this year two approaches to provide rides to space for small satellites and hosted payloads, including a version of a common adapter equipped with a propulsion system.
COVID disruptions add $13.5 million to the cost of GPS ground control system
Raytheon’s contract for the Global Positioning System Next Generation Operational Control System, known as OCX, is increasing by $13.5 million due to pandemic-related costs.
NRO taking advantage of commercial launch options for lower-risk space missions
The National Reconnaissance Office entrusts the U.S. Space Force to launch most of its spy satellites but also use other types of commercial contracts.
Space Force to increase spending on technologies to turn data into knowledge
The U.S. Space Force plans to spend billions of dollars over the next decade to convert huge amounts of data that resides in separate systems into a digital enterprise architecture.
Parsons wins $185 million Space Force contract for technology services
Parsons Corp. announced May 17 it has won a $185 million U.S. Space Force contract for information technology and engineering services.
Space Force seeks bids for rocket engine testing and space transportation technologies
The U.S. Space Force on May 11 issued requests for proposals for next-generation rocket engine testing, launch vehicle upper stage enhancements, and capabilities to maneuver in space.
Loft Orbital wins Space Force contract for edge computing in space
Loft Orbital announced it won a small business innovation research (SBIR) contract from the U.S. Space Force to support the development of an edge computer that can analyze data in space.
Space Force selects Boeing, Northrop Grumman to develop jam-resistant communications satellites
Boeing’s and Northrop Grumman’s payloads will be launched to space in 2024 for an on-orbit demonstration.
Rep. Lieu praises move to establish Space Force acquisitions command in Los Angeles
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) hailed the April 8 announcement that Los Angeles Air Force Base will be the permanent home of the U.S. Space Force procurement command.
Space Force to create ‘one-stop shop’ for launch procurement and operations
The U.S. Space Force is consolidating oversight of space launch activities under a two-star general who will be the deputy commander of Space Systems Command.
Space Force to establish a new command to oversee technology development and acquisition
The Space Force will re-designate the Space and Missile Systems Center as the headquarters of a new Space Systems Command.
Space Force planning for a future of smaller, cheaper satellites
The Space and Missile Systems Center for more than a year has been helping the Space Development Agency accelerate the procurement of small satellites.
An open system for missile-warning satellite data is in the works but faces challenges
The Space Force wants an open platform to process and distribute data from missile-warning satellites so it's less dependent on the current prime contractor Lockheed Martin.
Space Force officially ends launch partnerships with Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman
The U.S. Space Force on Dec. 31 officially terminated launch technology partnerships signed in October 2018 with Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman.
After further review, Space Force confirms selection of NSTXL to manage industry consortium
National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) on Jan. 15 received a contract to manage the U.S. Space Force’s Space Enterprise Consortium for the next 10 years.
Space Force’s small launch program looks to pick up pace after a year of delays
The Space Force says it plans to evaluate as many emerging small launch providers as possible.
Space Force trying to change negative perceptions about military procurement
The U.S. military wants to shake its reputation as an unfriendly customer to space startups and commercial tech companies, said Lt. Gen. John Thompson.
Lockheed Martin gets $511 million contract for two GPS satellites
SMC on Oct. 7 exercised an option under a 2018 contract to purchase two more GPS 3F satellites from Lockheed Martin for $511 million.
