Rocket Lab aims for rapid launch capability at new Virginia complex, with a Friday first

Rocket Lab aims for rapid launch capability at new Virginia complex, with a Friday first
Rocket Lab aims for rapid launch capability at new Virginia complex, with a Friday first

“Those of us who follow the space industry closely understand the autonomous flight termination is a key component of the range of the future. In fact, for DoD missions, autonomous flight termination is a mandate by 2025,” said NASA’s David Pierce.

HawkEye 360’s next 3 satellites to fly on Rocket Lab’s inaugural Virginia launch

HawkEye 360’s next 3 satellites to fly on Rocket Lab’s inaugural Virginia launch
HawkEye 360’s next 3 satellites to fly on Rocket Lab’s inaugural Virginia launch

Rather than going into a polar orbit, the Cluster 6 birds will be stationed in an inclined orbit over the middle of the globe, explained HawkEye 360’s Chief Operating Office Rob Rainhart in an interview with Breaking Defense.

Spy satellite agency NRO awards RF geolocation study contracts to 6 companies

Spy satellite agency NRO awards RF geolocation study contracts to 6 companies
Spy satellite agency NRO awards RF geolocation study contracts to 6 companies

“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.

House lawmakers urge spy satellite agency to beef up commercial SAR acquisition

House lawmakers urge spy satellite agency to beef up commercial SAR acquisition
House lawmakers urge spy satellite agency to beef up commercial SAR acquisition

The markup also calls for a comprehensive report on how DoD plans to leverage ISR data from commercial radio frequency (RF) satellites, noting that lawmakers have been “encouraged” by the successful use of RF geolocation in exercises, including by European Command.

After success in Ukraine, NRO to pitch satellite firms on radio frequency geolocation

After success in Ukraine, NRO to pitch satellite firms on radio frequency geolocation
After success in Ukraine, NRO to pitch satellite firms on radio frequency geolocation

Pete Muend, director of the NRO Commercial Systems Program Office, told the USGIF GEOINT 2022 conference that RF tracking for Ukraine has been “great benefit,” and spy agency wants to expand the capability.

How US intel worked with commercial satellite firms to reveal Ukraine info

How US intel worked with commercial satellite firms to reveal Ukraine info
How US intel worked with commercial satellite firms to reveal Ukraine info

While the NGA chief said it’s “surprising to see that information advantage on the battlefield is so far countering superior equipment and mass” in Ukraine, experts warn a future information fight with China won’t likely go as smoothly.

Hawkeye 360, Leidos see synergy in ground target observation data analytics

Hawkeye 360, Leidos see synergy in ground target observation data analytics
Hawkeye 360, Leidos see synergy in ground target observation data analytics

Leidos’ investment raises Hawkeye 360’s total amount of Series D funding — typically the last round of private investment before a startup goes public — to $150 million.

Project Convergence 2021 Kicks Off; Showcases 110 New Technologies

Project Convergence 2021 Kicks Off; Showcases 110 New Technologies
Project Convergence 2021 Kicks Off; Showcases 110 New Technologies

“Unfortunately, some of the Army’s signature modernization efforts, as spectacular as they are, don’t work with the other signature modernization efforts,” said Ed Mornston, G2 at Army Futures Command.

Army, NRO Pioneer Direct Sat Imagery Downlink In ‘Scarlet Dragon’

Army, NRO Pioneer Direct Sat Imagery Downlink In ‘Scarlet Dragon’
Army, NRO Pioneer Direct Sat Imagery Downlink In ‘Scarlet Dragon’

The ability to directly access remote sensing satellite data for targeting has long been a Holy Grail for the Army.

Commercial GEOINT Raises Questions About NGA, IC Roles, Says Gordon

Commercial GEOINT Raises Questions About NGA, IC Roles, Says Gordon
Commercial GEOINT Raises Questions About NGA, IC Roles, Says Gordon

“Is the coin of the realm the 70 years of craft that they have, or is it about what they uniquely hold?” asked former ODNI deputy Sue Gordon.

New IC Commercial Space Council Hopes To Speed Intel To Users

New IC Commercial Space Council Hopes To Speed Intel To Users
New IC Commercial Space Council Hopes To Speed Intel To Users

NRO, NGA, CIA, DIA and NSA are the “standing members” of the new council, says its chairman David Gauthier of NGA.

Under Senate’s Eye, NRO, NGA Stress Commercial Imagery Plans

Under Senate’s Eye, NRO, NGA Stress Commercial Imagery Plans
Under Senate’s Eye, NRO, NGA Stress Commercial Imagery Plans

“NGA expects unclassified space-based geospatial data to become ubiquitous and widely available,” says NGA’s David Gauthier.

Senate NDAA Mandates NRO To ‘Maximize’ Commercial Imagery Use

Senate NDAA Mandates NRO To ‘Maximize’ Commercial Imagery Use
Senate NDAA Mandates NRO To ‘Maximize’ Commercial Imagery Use

“This language from the SASC serves notice that they intend to keep a close eye on the NRO’s commercial remote sensing program,” observed Keith Masback, a former senior defense and intelligence official.

NRO Contracts For Commercial Radio & Radar Sensing

NRO Contracts For Commercial Radio & Radar Sensing
NRO Contracts For Commercial Radio & Radar Sensing

NRO has had a complicated relationship with commercial remote sensing providers, especially those working with SAR and other powerful new technologies.