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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America needs next-gen solutions to counter modern air and missile threats
Defending a country the size of the US from threats requires advanced sensing, communications and interception capabilities.
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.
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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.
CBO’s $1.2 trillion Golden Dome estimate based on bad data: Guetlein
Gen. Michael Guetlein, who previously said the project would cost $185 billion, insisted DoD would be able to deploy an "operational system" to defend the entire US homeland by 2028.
US, close allies creating joint ‘orbital warfare’ plan: SPACECOM chief
Gen. Stephen Whiting told the Mitchell Institute today that SPACECOM also plans to continue its Apollo Insights table-top exercises with commercial industry on a quarterly basis this year.
SOCOM to test SkyFi satellite imagery-to-tablet prototype
SkyFi's Sovereign Intelligence Platform for US Special Operations Command is designed to allow commanders in the field to task a commercial satellite for near-real time imagery.
AI ‘explainability’ is a ‘major concern’ for National Reconnaissance Office: Director
Outgoing NRO Director Chris Scolese said the agency is expanding its work to allow analysts to understand how AI does its analysis.
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Right sized for the fight, smaller Group 2 drones are solving for the limitations of larger UAS
It’s fuel cells, not batteries, that let Group 2 unmanned VTOLS fulfill many missions of larger Group 3s.
AI ‘blueprint’ coming soon to NGA to help ‘operationalize’ GEOINT
In her first major speech since taking the reins at NGA, Lt. Gen. Michelle Bredenkamp also said the agency has stood up a new Rapid Capabilities Office to speed integration of innovative commercial tech.
Space Force boosts contract ceiling for Andromeda space monitoring sats to $6.2B
The Andromeda IDIQ contract vehicle will fund a replacement for the current GSSAP on-orbit inspection satellites as well as the classified SILENTBARKER space surveillance birds.
NATO needs policies, standards for sharing AI-enhanced geospatial intel: Official
"The path to AI-enabled, allied intelligence advantage runs primarily through governance, not necessarily through additional capability," said UK Royal Marine Maj. Gen. Paul Lynch, who directs NATO intelligence policy.
Former NASA head Jim Bridenstine takes helm at Quantum Space
The former NASA administrator still has eyes for the moon, but is now focusing on possible future Space Force operations in cislunar space.