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: 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.
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Next-generation C2 won’t be next-gen without the network transport
The network transport architecture for NGC2 could be a hybrid approach that combines high assurance communications with 5G, WiFi, and multi-orbit satellites.
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New ways to communicate from ground to space and across domains
Software-defined radios that fuse comms, electronic warfare, and SIGINT allow for rapid fielding and improvement of the kill chain.
Space Development Agency eyes laser link between different contractors’ birds
“I describe PWSA, the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, as the Android model,” said Space Development Agency director Derek Tournear. “If we get vendor lock, if only one works, or if they can't talk to each other, that falls apart pretty quickly.”
SDA demos laser links crucial for future SATCOM, missile tracking network
Tournear said that the optical intersatellite link demonstration was final success in a trifecta of baseline challenges to SDA's plan to network hundreds of military satellites in LEO, as well as to eventually to integrate commercial satellites into the mix.
Wittman: Pentagon needs to ‘narrow the scope’ of CJADC2
“I think the Pentagon can do this, [but] I think they're understanding that they do have to scope this down," Rep. Rob Wittman said about the Pentagon's CJADC2 effort.
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Data overload threatens decisionmakers as autonomy expands
Reducing cognitive overload on warfighters while improving “time to trust” for autonomous systems is a matter of design.
L3Harris selloffs hampered by low bids, CEO says
“To the extent we can get a good price for what we've identified as non-core [businesses], we'll do it. But too many of the offers are coming in low and people think we're desperate to sell, and I can assure you we're not,” said L3Harris CEO Chris Kubasik.
Norway to host US Space Development Agency RF antenna, new Link 16 test: SDA director
“On their aircraft and their ground units, they'll be able to talk directly to us with Link 16 to our Tranche 0 satellites that are on orbit now," Derek Tournear said at the 2024 Space Symposium.
SDA’s data relay, missile tracking networks to be operational by end of 2025: Tournear
"By the end of next year, we'll have 126 Link 16 satellites that are operational on orbit," said SDA Director Derek Tournear.
SDA demos first-ever space-to-ground Link 16 connection
"We truly have demonstrated that the vision of JADC2 and the vision of the Joint Fires Network is a reality and we can do it," SDA Director Derek Tournear told Breaking Defense.
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Keeping sensitive information safe in a new AI era
Why edge and endpoint security can’t be an afterthought.
L3Harris to sell commercial aviation business for $800 million
The sale could help L3Harris pay down debt and focus as a defense supplier.
SDA gets OK to begin limited testing of data satellites Link 16 nodes
The Space Development Agency has won International Telecommunication Union approval to test the Transport Layer birds over international waters and the territory of an unnamed allied nation.
SDA racing ahead with new, US-based satellite ground stations, could meet hiccup abroad
SDA Director Derek Tournear also shed some more light on the agency's new, highly secretive FOO Fighter program to develop new fire control quality tracking satellites.
SDA Opens Contest For First Operational Constellation
SDA intends to choose three contractors next year to design and build up to 144 new satellites.