Military Space USA 2021

SMi Group are proud to announce the return of the 2nd annual Military Space USA Conference and Exhibition taking place at the Renaissance Hotel, Los Angeles, on the 7th–9th June.

With the US DoD pushing the acquisition of the next generat…

45th Space Wing forecasts more than 50 launches in 2021

As many as 53 space missions are projected to lift off in 2021 from Florida’s Space Coast, the vice commander of the 45th Space Wing said Jan. 12.

Space Force stands up new office to support U.S. intelligence community

The U.S. Space Force on Jan. 8 officially became the 18th member of the U.S. intelligence community.

Space Force needs sensors to distinguish weapons from benign objects

The ability to “characterize threats” is a major challenge for the U.S. Space Force, said Maj. Gen. Leah Lauderback.

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.

U.S. Space Force members are now guardians

Vice President Mike Pence announced at a ceremony at the White House that members of the Space Force will be called guardians.

Raymond on China’s space program: “It’s alive, well and concerning”

China’s leapfrogging advances in space are cause for national security concern, the head of the U.S. Space Force said Dec. 17.

Space Force official: Russian missile tests expose vulnerability of low-orbiting satellites 

Russia on Dec. 15 conducted a ballistic missile test that U.S. Space Command condemned as a threat to satellites in orbit. 

Space Force leaders staying out of the political fray

Gen. John Raymond, chief of the U.S. Space Force, said he has met with members of the Biden transition team but would not speculate on what might change under the new administration.

U.S. Space Force celebrates first birthday virtually

Lt. Gen. Whiting, commander of Space Operations Command, said the Space Force has to educate the public on what it does, and why space matters to national security and everyday activities. 

Op-ed | What’s next for Space Force as it celebrates its first anniversary

One of the challenges ahead for the Space Force is educating new members of Congress and the public on why space matters and what threats exist on orbit.

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. 

Cape Canaveral, Patrick Air Force Base renamed as Space Force bases

Vice President Mike Pence announced Dec. 9 that Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Patrick Air Force Base are being renamed as Space Force installations. 

Ratcliffe: Space Force to become 18th member of the U.S. intelligence community

The U.S. Space Force soon will become the 18th member of the U.S. intelligence community, Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said Dec. 9.

Space Force planning a ‘disruptive’ acquisitions command 

Gen. John Raymond said the Space Force is close to finalizing the layout of its future acquisitions command, a large organization that will consolidate multiple agencies that currently operate independently.