In an exclusive sit down with Breaking Defense, Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth defended his agency’s role in moving commercial and government satellite data to the field in a timely manner.
By Theresa HitchensLt. Gen. David Miller, head of Space Operations Command, said the ongoing tussle with the Intelligence Community is like when dogs first meet in a dog park. “The dogs like spend five minutes sniffing each other’s butts. That’s the phase I think we’re in. We just need to get off that,” he said.
By Theresa HitchensMore than a dozen sources tell Breaking Defense that tensions between the NGA and Space Force are rising on commercial ISR, with White House officials watching closely.
By Theresa Hitchens“Approximately 90 [percent] of our foundational data is unclassified, which helps us share products more broadly with partners and allies across the globe,” a spokesperson for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency told Breaking Defense.
By Theresa HitchensMike Gold, a former NASA official and member of the study team, told Breaking Defense that if any UAP proves to be extraterrestrial, “that would probably be the best case scenario, because if these systems are from terrestrial adversaries, that is really terrifying.”
By Theresa HitchensChina’s “space weaponry” arsenal “includes missiles that launch from the Earth that go up and destroy satellites, it includes lasers, it includes jammers, it includes a whole magazine of diversity for that,” a top Space Force officer said.
By Theresa HitchensHyperspectral sensors can “see” what materials a surface is made of and identify individual elements in the surrounding atmosphere. For national security purposes, hyperspectral imagery could for example detect evidence of chemical weapon production and/or use.
By Theresa Hitchens“Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the importance of a persistent space surveillance capability,” said the United Kingdom, as European nations (and Canada) band together.
By Theresa Hitchens“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.
By Theresa HitchensTraditionally, DoD and the Intelligence Community — as well as some US allies — have been leery about revealing the position of US national security satellites, because they wish to conceal their activities and characteristics.
By Theresa Hitchens“[T]he IC Commercial Space Council is discussing commercial protection right now. We had a meeting on Tuesday, and it came up,” said NGA’s David Gauthier, who chairs the council.
By Theresa HitchensThe Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Gen. Chance Saltzman as the next, and second, Space Force chief was free of major fireworks — suggesting an easy ‘yea’ vote.
By Theresa Hitchens