Space

From Russia with nukes? Sifting facts from speculation about space weapon threat

From Russia with nukes? Sifting facts from speculation about space weapon threat
From Russia with nukes? Sifting facts from speculation about space weapon threat

“Nuclear weapons in space are a really, really dumb idea,” said Jessica West of Canadian non-profit Ploughshares, but experts note that with Russia, nothing can ever be fully ruled out.

SDA, MDA missile tracking demonstration payloads blast off

SDA, MDA missile tracking demonstration payloads blast off
SDA, MDA missile tracking demonstration payloads blast off

The agencies said in their joint announcement that the “launch of the two prototype systems will be followed by two years of on-orbit testing.”

Why the Space Force needs its own JAG Corps

Why the Space Force needs its own JAG Corps
Why the Space Force needs its own JAG Corps

In this op-ed, Maj. Aaron Brynildson argues the need for a judge advocate unit for the Space Force.

MADC2: Air Force CJADC2 plans ‘completely hamstrung’ by budget impasse, general says

MADC2: Air Force CJADC2 plans ‘completely hamstrung’ by budget impasse, general says
MADC2: Air Force CJADC2 plans ‘completely hamstrung’ by budget impasse, general says

“Not having a budget is quite frankly, it’s killing me, because my budget was supposed to double this year,” said Air Force Brig. Gen. Luke Cropsey.

‘Slow transition:’ Commerce may need 5+ years to take over DoD non-military space tracking

‘Slow transition:’ Commerce may need 5+ years to take over DoD non-military space tracking
‘Slow transition:’ Commerce may need 5+ years to take over DoD non-military space tracking

“It’s not going to be like a ‘boom’ milestone delivery where one day there’s nothing and the next day, there’s a finished system,” Richard DalBello, director of the Office of Space Commerce, said of the swap from DoD to Commerce.

New Space Force ‘combat squadrons’ to allow tailored deployment, alleviate ‘exhaustion’: Officials

New Space Force ‘combat squadrons’ to allow tailored deployment, alleviate ‘exhaustion’: Officials
New Space Force ‘combat squadrons’ to allow tailored deployment, alleviate ‘exhaustion’: Officials

The combat squadron arrangement aligns the Space Force with how the Air Force, Army and Navy present and deploy forces to combatant commands, such as Indo-Pacific and European Command, said Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess, head of Space Forces-Space.

Space Force’s Saltzman hopes to launch new Futures Command centers ‘late this year’

Space Force’s Saltzman hopes to launch new Futures Command centers ‘late this year’
Space Force’s Saltzman hopes to launch new Futures Command centers ‘late this year’

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman said the new Futures Command will not just be looking at what new capabilities the Space Force should build, own and operate, but also at how commercial tech, systems and services can fill some needs. 

The Pentagon’s next satellite launch is a test for missile defense’s future

The Pentagon’s next satellite launch is a test for missile defense’s future
The Pentagon’s next satellite launch is a test for missile defense’s future

In this op-ed, Masao Dahlgren discusses the launch of a forthcoming missile-tracking satellite constellation and what can be learned from it.

Air Force launches reorganization, as Kendall warns ‘We are out of time’ to match China

Air Force launches reorganization, as Kendall warns ‘We are out of time’ to match China
Air Force launches reorganization, as Kendall warns ‘We are out of time’ to match China

Under the “reoptimizing” effort, changes are coming across the Department of the Air Force, from new training approaches to the establishment of high-level offices.

Startup Aalyria demos SATCOM software for DIU ‘hybrid network’

Startup Aalyria demos SATCOM software for DIU ‘hybrid network’
Startup Aalyria demos SATCOM software for DIU ‘hybrid network’

The company, a Google off-shoot, characterizes its Spacetime software as the “digital cartilage and autonomous brain” that can bring to life DoD’s JADC2 concept linking sensors and shooters across all domains.

The homeland is not a sanctuary: The case for more integrated air defenses

The homeland is not a sanctuary: The case for more integrated air defenses
The homeland is not a sanctuary: The case for more integrated air defenses

Three former senior NORAD officials argue in this op-ed that the homeland defense must be treated like theater defense, prepared for multi-tiered attack.

GEOST to provide Sierra Space missile tracking/fire control payloads for SDA effort

GEOST to provide Sierra Space missile tracking/fire control payloads for SDA effort
GEOST to provide Sierra Space missile tracking/fire control payloads for SDA effort

While GEOST has made infrared sensors for classified systems in the ones and twos, the new contract will involve building infrared sensors designed to be used in a larger constellation, LightRidge CEO Bill Gattle told Breaking Defense.

Finnish hyperspectral satellite firm Kuva moves into US market

Finnish hyperspectral satellite firm Kuva moves into US market
Finnish hyperspectral satellite firm Kuva moves into US market

While Kuva Space’s while full constellation of 100 satellites won’t be ready until 2030, the firm can “start providing reliable service to commercial and government customers in the US and our partner nations” once the first two are up, said Jerry Welsh, board member of Kuva’s new US arm.

Space Force effort to replace aging space tracking software lagging: DOT&E

Space Force effort to replace aging space tracking software lagging: DOT&E
Space Force effort to replace aging space tracking software lagging: DOT&E

“[P]roduct development has been slower than anticipated, and the projected date to decommission SPADOC continues to extend further to late FY24, a delay of more than two years from the original timeline,” according to the 2023 Annual Report of the Pentagon’s Director of Operational Test & Evaluation.