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.
Space Force programs supporting Golden Dome see big FY27 budget boost
Missile warning and tracking programs, and the emerging Space Data Network being developed to ferry space sensor data to shooters on the ground, in the air and at sea are among the programs seeing huge increases.
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How drones can navigate without GPS
Absolute positioning is critical in contested and denied environments.
Project Hecate: The Space Force’s quiet effort to keep GPS survivable after 2040
Meanwhile, the Space Warfighting Analysis Center is pushing the use of signals from communications satellites in low Earth orbit as a near-term alternative to GPS.
Uncertainty over satellite constellation means alt-GPS capability up in the air: Official
The Space Development Agency's planned Navigation Layer, if it proceeds, would provide both the location of GPS jammers and alternate PNT signals.
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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In contested seas, autonomy must anticipate, not just navigate
As missions stretch farther and comms grow less reliable, predictive software could become the edge that keeps missions afloat.
Air Force, Space Force seek $16B extra for FY26 ‘unfunded priorities’
The services’ unfunded requests, obtained by Breaking Defense, reflect sharp increases compared to last year.
Space Force ponders shakeup to LEO satellite strategy, potentially hiring SpaceX for data relay
Contracts for the next-generation Tranche 3, which will replace the earliest Transport Layer satellites, have been paused until the Space Force study is completed, five sources with knowledge of the program told Breaking Defense.
Space Force is contracting with SpaceX for new, secretive MILNET SATCOM network
The MILNET contract with SpaceX is being paid for by the Space Force but managed by the National Reconnaissance Office, sources said.