Space

NRO expects even lower National Security Space Launch costs starting in FY25

NRO expects even lower National Security Space Launch costs starting in FY25
NRO expects even lower National Security Space Launch costs starting in FY25

Troy Meink, NRO principal deputy director, explained that the decline in launch costs is one of two critical factors in allowing NRO to begin to diversify its on-orbit force structure to include both “large and small satellites” using multiple orbital domains.

SDA’s data relay, missile tracking networks to be operational by end of 2025: Tournear

SDA’s data relay, missile tracking networks to be operational by end of 2025: Tournear
SDA’s data relay, missile tracking networks to be operational by end of 2025: Tournear

“By the end of next year, we’ll have 126 Link 16 satellites that are operational on orbit,” said SDA Director Derek Tournear.

Rocket Cargo is go! Air Force’s experimental resupply program moves closer to the launch pad

Rocket Cargo is go! Air Force’s experimental resupply program moves closer to the launch pad
Rocket Cargo is go! Air Force’s experimental resupply program moves closer to the launch pad

The investment in transitioning Rocket Cargo “is focused on utilizing vehicles that traverse from or through space to transport DoD materiel anywhere around the world within tactically responsive timelines,” the Space Force’s FY25 budget request says.

SDA requests nearly $4.3B for FY25, slight drop from last year

SDA requests nearly $4.3B for FY25, slight drop from last year
SDA requests nearly $4.3B for FY25, slight drop from last year

SDA is asking for $357 million for FY25 launch services, down from the nearly $530 million in FY24. Those funds would pay to manifest four planned launches of the Tranche 2 Transport Layer satellites in 2027.

Space Force wants $248M to kickstart new jam-proof SATCOM constellation

Space Force wants $248M to kickstart new jam-proof SATCOM constellation
Space Force wants $248M to kickstart new jam-proof SATCOM constellation

Maj. Gen. Michael Greiner said that the Space Force’s initial plans are to develop four new Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global satellites, although those plans could change as the program is a new start for FY25.

Missile Defense Agency takes $500M cut to $10.4B in FY25

Missile Defense Agency takes $500M cut to $10.4B in FY25
Missile Defense Agency takes $500M cut to $10.4B in FY25

The MDA request includes $105 million for the Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR), slightly more than the $103.5 requested in FY24. LRDR, deemed a critical capability by US Northern Command (NORTHCOM)/NORAD leaders, will transfer to the Space Force to begin operations in FY25.

[UPDATED] What’s in the Pentagon’s FY25 budget request? Here’s where to find out

[UPDATED] What’s in the Pentagon’s FY25 budget request? Here’s where to find out
[UPDATED] What’s in the Pentagon’s FY25 budget request? Here’s where to find out

Breaking Defense has you covered for all the news of the Pentagon’s fiscal 2025 budget rollout, and this handy landing page of our stories will get you where you need to go.

Space Force takes ‘acceptable’ cut to $29.4B in FY25 budget request

Space Force takes ‘acceptable’ cut to $29.4B in FY25 budget request
Space Force takes ‘acceptable’ cut to $29.4B in FY25 budget request

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall explained that the “small decrease in the number for the Space Force” isn’t itself quite reflective of reality, as there are mitigating circumstances that lessen the blow.

Pentagon emphasizes ‘continuity’ in $849.8B FY25 budget request, amid political deadlock

Pentagon emphasizes ‘continuity’ in $849.8B FY25 budget request, amid political deadlock
Pentagon emphasizes ‘continuity’ in $849.8B FY25 budget request, amid political deadlock

“We kind of depend on having [that] ‘24 bill finish and finish in a way that looks a lot like what we asked for. Otherwise, we’re going to have to go back to the drawing board on a couple of fronts,” said a senior defense official.

Space Force vice chief says failure on continuing resolution could cost service up to $3.9B

Space Force vice chief says failure on continuing resolution could cost service up to $3.9B
Space Force vice chief says failure on continuing resolution could cost service up to $3.9B

Gen. Michael Guetlein said that the service is “looking at losing about seven” of the 10 launches it planned under the National Security Space Launch program in FY24 if the CR is prolonged.

Space Force Futures Command won’t need ‘giant’ resources

Space Force Futures Command won’t need ‘giant’ resources
Space Force Futures Command won’t need ‘giant’ resources

Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton, who has been charged to establish the new Space Force Futures Command, said cislunar and dynamic space operations are areas for the command’s scrutiny, since neither have yet proven their ‘military utility.”

NGA looking for commercial data to update intel on North Korea

NGA looking for commercial data to update intel on North Korea
NGA looking for commercial data to update intel on North Korea

“Approximately 90 [percent] of our foundational data is unclassified, which helps us share products more broadly with partners and allies across the globe,” a spokesperson for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency told Breaking Defense.

From unmanned to space tech, Qatar’s Barzan eyes new investments, ‘strengthening’ what its got

From unmanned to space tech, Qatar’s Barzan eyes new investments, ‘strengthening’ what its got
From unmanned to space tech, Qatar’s Barzan eyes new investments, ‘strengthening’ what its got

A top official from state-owned Barzan Holdings told Breaking Defense the firm has invested with US-based SpinLaunch to fling satellites into orbit without the use of rockets.

Space Force agencies pile on to find ‘alternate PNT’ capabilities

Space Force agencies pile on to find ‘alternate PNT’ capabilities
Space Force agencies pile on to find ‘alternate PNT’ capabilities

Space Force’s primary acquisition command, Space Systems Command (SSC), is seeking industry input on the possibility of building smaller, lighter and cheaper GPS satellites.