Space Force contracts Viasat, Intelsat for first of new anti-jam communication sats
The two awards are collectively worth $437.7 million, according to the Space Systems Command press release.
NRO funds BlackSky for new satellites, AI-optimized image detection system
"The NRO is at the forefront of integrating AI into space-based ISR," a spysat agency spokesperson told Breaking Defense.
How AI is shaping geospatial intelligence
Breaking Defense’s latest eBook brings together reporting from GEOINT 2026 on how intelligence leaders are shaping the future of space-based geospatial intelligence.
Northrop Grumman partners with Apex for 2027 SBI demo
Startup Apex Space had previously announced its own self-funded SBI demonstration called Project Shadow by the end of 2026.
National security launch schedule not likely impacted by New Glenn disaster
NSSL will be okay because it can still rely on the Falcon 9 workhorse," said Todd Harrison, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.
SpaceX wins $4.16B Space Force contract to detect airborne moving targets
"While this OTA agreement establishes initial SB-AMTI capability, the Space Force anticipates issuing multiple awards in the coming year ," the service said today.
SPACECOM exploring tech for future offensive cislunar ops: Chief Scientist
An analyst called the new commitment to pursue cislunar operations a "massive policy change" for the Pentagon.
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How defensive cyber responds to hockey-stick growth of AI-driven threats
Artificial intelligence is reshaping adversarial cyber operations at machine speed, requiring defenders to increase operational tempo while imposing pain and cost.
Epic Fury highlighted Space Force needs for distributed ops, EW sites
"We've seen in Operation Epic Fury, for the first time, that our space capabilities have been targeted and destroyed. We expect that to happen more," Brig. Gen. Christopher Fernengel said today.
Dept. of Air Force ‘still working’ to sort space programs into acquisition portfolios: Ainsworth
The Department of the Air Force in "the coming days" will announce the finalized PAE structure along with the names of each office leader, Thomas Ainsworth, acting space acquisition chief, said.
SpaceX wins $2.29B to speed Space Force’s LEO communications ‘backbone’
The SpaceX "backbone" constellation will support the broader Space Data Network, which will include the Space Development Agency's Transport layer satellites.
Despite ‘peak hype,’ orbital data centers for AI not yet ready for NatSec prime time
One expert summed up the defense market viewpoint of AI data centers in space as: "If they build it, we might come."
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In contested seas, autonomy must anticipate, not just navigate
As missions stretch farther and comms grow less reliable, predictive software could become the edge that keeps missions afloat.
Boots on the moon needed to beat ‘belligerent’ China: Mitchell Institute
"[F]uture American space security is at risk. China's military-led human space flight progression is positioning the People's Liberation Army to achieve strategic advantage in lunar access, infrastructure, and resources," Kyle Puma, Mitchell Institute senior resident fellow for space studies, said today.
DAF study finds new space launch site ‘probably’ required
Lt. Gen. David Miller, Space Force deputy for Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements, said on Tuesday that the service alone is looking at some 1,000 launches between fiscal 2027 and 2031.
DARPA’s robotic servicing mission to finally fly this summer
The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites mission, a partnership between DARPA and Northrop Grumman, will result in the first US on-orbit servicing capability, according to company officials.
Space Force names Sandhoo as head of new missile warning/tracking PAE
As of May 11, Sandhoo is double hatted as both head of the PAE and director of the Space Development Agency.