Spy satellite agency NRO awards RF geolocation study contracts to 6 companies

Spy satellite agency NRO awards RF geolocation study contracts to 6 companies
Spy satellite agency NRO awards RF geolocation study contracts to 6 companies

“Since the 2019 award of an integration study contract for commercial RF, we’ve seen increasing demand for this data source from across the user community,” said Chris Scolese, director of the NRO.

Aussies launch Space Command, space strategy; upgrade northern base

Aussies launch Space Command, space strategy; upgrade northern base
Aussies launch Space Command, space strategy; upgrade northern base

“I think it’s really important that we start contributing. We’ve got a couple of little satellites up there,” said Air Vice Marshall Cath Roberts, “but space domain awareness is where we can start and we need to operationalize it because we are so far behind.”

IC, Biden Admin Aim To Reform Commercial Remote Sensing Rules

IC, Biden Admin Aim To Reform Commercial Remote Sensing Rules
IC, Biden Admin Aim To Reform Commercial Remote Sensing Rules

“If we don’t adapt, others will set the rules and challenge our new leadership. We should set the rules,” said Stacey Dixon, deputy director of national intelligence.

Nuke Sub Accord ‘First Step’ For Deeper US-Aussie Cooperation; Aussies Get NRO Ties

Nuke Sub Accord ‘First Step’ For Deeper US-Aussie Cooperation; Aussies Get NRO Ties
Nuke Sub Accord ‘First Step’ For Deeper US-Aussie Cooperation; Aussies Get NRO Ties

“This does not mean there are not constructive areas of engagement with China,” Australia Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Marise Payne said at the State Department today. She then noted that “US leadership within the Indo-Pacific remains indispensable.”

Al-Qaida Fears In Afghanistan, But China Takes Spotlight For IC Leaders

Al-Qaida Fears In Afghanistan, But China Takes Spotlight For IC Leaders
Al-Qaida Fears In Afghanistan, But China Takes Spotlight For IC Leaders

One senior official said he wants his agency to have the urgency about China the way the US had urgency about counterterrorism after 9/11.

Firefly Aerospace Set For First Launch Next Thursday; Static Test Passed

Firefly Aerospace Set For First Launch Next Thursday; Static Test Passed
Firefly Aerospace Set For First Launch Next Thursday; Static Test Passed

“Firefly Alpha will provide a unique capability to the US Government that is not currently available: a 1,000 kg to orbit, commercial, domestic, launch vehicle that can be used for a wide variety of missions,” says Firefly spokesperson Kim Jennett.

DIU’s Butow Pushes Space Force Case On ‘Tactical ISR’ Mission

DIU’s Butow Pushes Space Force Case On ‘Tactical ISR’ Mission
DIU’s Butow Pushes Space Force Case On ‘Tactical ISR’ Mission

Space Force is not a voting member of the new(ish) IC Commercial Space Council to improve coordination on commercial space policy — but NRO and NGA are.

EXCLUSIVE: NRO Space ‘Civil Reserve’ Includes Shutter Control Option

EXCLUSIVE: NRO Space ‘Civil Reserve’ Includes Shutter Control Option
EXCLUSIVE: NRO Space ‘Civil Reserve’ Includes Shutter Control Option

“Frankly, this is an area where the United States can’t control what happens anymore,” said Secure World’s Brian Weeden.

Space Force Vice Argues Value Of Embattled Analysis Center

Space Force Vice Argues Value Of Embattled Analysis Center
Space Force Vice Argues Value Of Embattled Analysis Center

SWAC is not duplicating the functions of the joint DoD-IC Space Security and Defense Program, argues Gen. DT Thompson.

Exclusive: NRO Erects Buy American Barriers Against Allied Satellite Data

Exclusive: NRO Erects Buy American Barriers Against Allied Satellite Data
Exclusive: NRO Erects Buy American Barriers Against Allied Satellite Data

The new policy is inconsistent with efforts by DoD and NGA to expand the trusted supplier base by better integrating allied firms into their acquisition chains, critics say.

SAR-Sat Startup Umbra Emerges From Stealth Mode

SAR-Sat Startup Umbra Emerges From Stealth Mode
SAR-Sat Startup Umbra Emerges From Stealth Mode

The company plans at least 24 satellites, each with a patented SAR antenna that folds up “like origami” for launch and unfurls on orbit, says Umbra COO Todd Master.

Key Lawmaker Warns Off Space Force On Tactical ISR

Key Lawmaker Warns Off Space Force On Tactical ISR
Key Lawmaker Warns Off Space Force On Tactical ISR

“I think before you hand off the ball, let’s make sure there won’t be a fumble — and the Space Force has a lot on it’s plate right now,” Rep. Jim Cooper says.

NGA Seeks Upgraded Software To Speed Analysis

NGA Seeks Upgraded Software To Speed Analysis
NGA Seeks Upgraded Software To Speed Analysis

The goal is to have an improved version of the Data Transformation Services (DTS) system up and running on classified NGA networks by next February, the agency’s request for information (RFI) says.

Army Sat Ops Brigade Transfers To Space Force: Karbler

Army Sat Ops Brigade Transfers To Space Force: Karbler
Army Sat Ops Brigade Transfers To Space Force: Karbler

“Now we’re just really working out the details for the timing that that will happen, and how frankly how it will happen,” Lt. Gen. Daniel Karbler, Army SMDC commander, says.