Space Development Agency launches first ‘operational’ satellites for data relay
The 21 satellites lofted today on a SpaceX Falcon 9 were all built by York Space Systems and provide Link 16 and K-band communications.
EXCLUSIVE: SDA eyeing airborne target tracking satellites demonstration, says Tournear
"I would say that we are at the point now where the technology has matured and it's commoditized, so that radar based AMTI from space is feasible," outgoing SDA Director Derek Tournear told Breaking Defense in an exclusive interview.
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Threat warning and survivability in the modern battlespace
Protecting warfighters requires fast, accurate, and dependable systems that work flawlessly to military standards.
EXCLUSIVE: Space Development Agency Director Derek Tournear steps down
In an exclusive interview with Breaking Defense, outgoing SDA Director Derek Tournear said the agency's three biggest technological successes have been proving the viability of space-based Link 16; missile tracking from LEO; and low-cost laser links.
Trump moves SPACECOM HQ from Colorado to Alabama
Space watchers and Alabama politicians have been predicting the move, as President Donald Trump had decided on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville as SPACECOM’s home just before he left the Oval Office for the first time in January 2021.
Stormy weather: DoD faces dearth of data from planned NOAA cuts
The Space Force repurposes NOAA's older GOES weather imaging satellites to monitor weather over the Indian Ocean for Indo-Pacific Command.
Space Guard proponents hope for last-minute Trump intervention
A survey conducted by the Colorado Air National Guard taken in February and provided to Breaking Defense, found that of 101 space operators only eight would transfer to the Space Force under the current plan.
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Constantly evolving aerial threats demand training that adapts accordingly
With potential adversaries no longer predictable, training must move beyond just live exercises and flight simulators.
2025 Schriever space wargame last to be planned unilaterally by US
This year's game included five "notional technologies" designed to improve international cooperation, such as tools to improve common space domain awareness, according to Space Force officials.
The Army must accelerate counterspace investments
Col. Pete Atkinson argues in this op-ed that the Army needs to have native counterspace capabilities.
Northrop Grumman says first DARC test validates radar tracking capability
DARC has been plagued with delays almost since its inception, according to a series of annual studies by the Government Accountability Office.
Mining for DOGE: Defense budget docs show $11B in ‘efficiencies,’ but what are they?
An analysis by AEI conducted in partnership with Breaking Defense scoured thousands of pages of fiscal 2026 Pentagon budget documents, some of the most definitive accounting yet for DOGE’s impact at the Department of Defense.
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An autonomy blueprint is essential to keep legacy platforms relevant in modern warfare
It’s about improving existing platforms with autonomy, and applying AI, edge computing, quantum encryption, and sensor fusion.
How NATO nations need to sell the 5 percent spending hike to their own people
The Atlantic Council's Kristen Taylor argues in this op ed that committing to defense spending is only half the battle.
Rocket Lab buys GEOST, further expanding defense footprint
"Proficiency with missile-warning sensors is one of the hottest capabilities to have today, and positions the company extremely well for Golden Dome work," Caleb Henry, research director at Quilty Space, told Breaking Defense.
Vulcan’s first Space Force launch to carry long-delayed experimental PNT satellite
Vulcan's heaviest version, which will use six solid rocket motors, still awaits Space Force certification.
How industry is lining up for big Golden Dome business
While big primes appear to be positioning themselves for leadership roles, Leidos CEO Tom Bell told reporters the company doesn't need to be "Mr. Golden Dome."