Theresa Hitchens is the Senior reporter, Space at Breaking Defense. The former Defense News editor was a senior research associate at the University of Maryland’s Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM). Before that, she spent six years in Geneva, Switzerland as director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR).
A sci-fi geek, voracious reader, enthusiastic cook, dabbler in poetry, Theresa is also the proud mom of a wonderful young man by the name of Nicholas.
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An “abridged list” of current designations for Space Force systems obtained by Breaking Defense includes four “reconnaissance” systems not found in the service’s fiscal 2025 budget documentation: Stargate, Snowgate, Lightgate and Shiloh.
“[W]e won’t be able to sell the premium technology, which means we’ll be out competed by [Finland’s] ICEYE and other competitors in the global market,” Umbra’s Jason Mallare told Breaking Defense.
The troubled OCX ground system to allow users access to the jam-resistant M-Code GPS signal will go into operational tests by the end of the year, and the Space Force also has shaken up its effort to field M-Code radios and receivers, said Cordell DeLaPena, who heads those programs for Space Systems Command.
“I’m very confident that we will have our first CASR contracts by early of next year, targeting space awareness,” said Col. Rich Kniseley, who is spearheading the Space Force’s effort to create a Commercial Augmented Space Reserve.
The first planned prototype orders using HALO will “reduce risk and demonstrate feasibility of proliferation for future tactical data links and optical communication missions,” the Space Development Agency said.
“When one of our two industry partners struggled with delivering on cost and schedule, we were able to quickly pivot and still maintain program progress by turning to the performing vendor,” Col. Rob Davis, program executive officer for SSC’s Space Sensing Directorate, said.
The new Space Systems Command effort is focused on establishing integrated C2 networks for four classified weapon systems chosen by the head of US Space Command Gen. Stephen Whiting.
“[T]here’s all kinds of excitement, both on the [Korean Peninsula] and in Japan, about what the Space Force can bring those allies,” Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, commander of US Space Forces — Indo-Pacific, told the Mitchell Institute today.
A new study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies details a number of serious obstacles to cislunar operations, from a lack of robust business cases to the literal fabric of time.
The Army is convinced that there are benefits to be had from moving to a SATCOM-as-a-service model, including rapid response to battlefield needs and access to the very latest tech.
The language in the new version of DoDD 3100.10 is notable for the specific reference to SPACECOM’s responsibility for “offensive” as well as “defensive” operations worldwide — the word offensive is not included in the 2022 version.
Meanwhile, Meink said the spy agency is sticking to what it sees as its primary lane in the interagency division of labor for commercial acquisition: “procuring pixels.”
“The three new rules … recalibrate our approach to export controls,” a senior Commerce Department official said. “These changes will offer relief to US companies and they’ll increase innovation without compromising the critical technologies that keep our nation safe.”
A curated look at standout opinions and analysis covering topics like uncrewed systems, NATO partnerships, US-Saudi defense dynamics, and evolving warfare strategies, spotlighting key issues shaping the global defense landscape.
A curated look at standout opinions and analysis covering topics like uncrewed systems, NATO partnerships, US-Saudi defense dynamics, and evolving warfare strategies, spotlighting key issues shaping the global defense landscape.
