Space Force takes ‘acceptable’ cut to $29.4B in FY25 budget request

Space Force takes ‘acceptable’ cut to $29.4B in FY25 budget request
Space Force takes ‘acceptable’ cut to $29.4B in FY25 budget request

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall explained that the “small decrease in the number for the Space Force” isn’t itself quite reflective of reality, as there are mitigating circumstances that lessen the blow.

Space Force, NRO approach key milestone for GMTI as other programs fall behind: Calvelli

Space Force, NRO approach key milestone for GMTI as other programs fall behind: Calvelli
Space Force, NRO approach key milestone for GMTI as other programs fall behind: Calvelli

With apparent frustration with another program, Space Force acquisition chief Frank Calvelli asked, “What I don’t get… [is] why would somebody want to have this sort of reputation-ruining stain in the papers all the time?”

Space Force taps 4 firms to vie for missile warning C2 prototype

Space Force taps 4 firms to vie for missile warning C2 prototype
Space Force taps 4 firms to vie for missile warning C2 prototype

The Space Force expects the multi-faceted Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) program to cost a total of $2.4 billion.

New Space Force strategy highlights key role in joint fight

New Space Force strategy highlights key role in joint fight
New Space Force strategy highlights key role in joint fight

A five-year funding chart included in the strategy shows a steep increase in planned missile warning spending.

Booz Allen nabs $630M integration contract for Space Force missile warning, weather programs

Booz Allen nabs $630M integration contract for Space Force missile warning, weather programs
Booz Allen nabs $630M integration contract for Space Force missile warning, weather programs

The contract, announced by the company today, will support Space Systems Command’s Program Executive Office for Space Sensing, which is responsible for the service’s missile warning, weather monitoring and “persistent tactical surveillance” programs.

Space Force polar-orbiting missile warning sats move toward production

Space Force polar-orbiting missile warning sats move toward production
Space Force polar-orbiting missile warning sats move toward production

The Space Force in May 2020 awarded Northrop Grumman a $2.37 billion contract for the development of the two satellites, which will travel in a highly elliptical orbit crossing over the Earth’s poles.

Saltzman: Space Force investing $340 million in FY24 to test and train Guardians

Saltzman: Space Force investing $340 million in FY24 to test and train Guardians
Saltzman: Space Force investing $340 million in FY24 to test and train Guardians

The service is seeking the funds to “validate” modern tactics against a realistic peer adversary. Officials still “have a lot of studies to do to make sure we’re building the right kind of ranges and the right kind of simulators, and we’re learning as we go a little bit,” said CSO Gen. Chance Saltzman.

Space Force seeks 12% budget boost, to $30B, with R&D focus

Space Force seeks 12% budget boost, to $30B, with R&D focus
Space Force seeks 12% budget boost, to $30B, with R&D focus

“The threat is racing to out pace us,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall told reporters in a budget pre-briefing on March 10.

Space Force FY24 request likely to jump by billions, but lawmakers may balk: Analyst

Space Force FY24 request likely to jump by billions, but lawmakers may balk: Analyst
Space Force FY24 request likely to jump by billions, but lawmakers may balk: Analyst

While there’s broad support on the Hill for space operations, long-time space budget guru Mike Tierney says language in recent policy and appropriations bills suggests lawmakers want Space Force and the Pentagon to “show their work.”

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Overhead Persistent IR is how hypersonic and maneuverable threats will be tracked

Overhead Persistent IR is how hypersonic and maneuverable threats will be tracked
Overhead Persistent IR is how hypersonic and maneuverable threats will be tracked

Two of the five OPIR missile warning satellites will be polar-oriented to sense ballistic missile threats from adversaries. All five are designed to not only detect launches but to track missiles as they maneuver.

Space Force Missile Track Custody prototype effort moves to hardware stage

Space Force Missile Track Custody prototype effort moves to hardware stage
Space Force Missile Track Custody prototype effort moves to hardware stage

Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Boeing’s Millennium Space Systems are now on contract to deliver flight-ready prototypes by 2026.

In Space, baby steps and a ponderous ‘pivot’: 2022 in Review

In Space, baby steps and a ponderous ‘pivot’: 2022 in Review
In Space, baby steps and a ponderous ‘pivot’: 2022 in Review

For the newest military arm, this year saw it plant the seeds for important changes in everything from strategy to acquisition.

Lamborn signals continuity in House space focus, toes harder nuclear line

Lamborn signals continuity in House space focus, toes harder nuclear line
Lamborn signals continuity in House space focus, toes harder nuclear line

Pentagon acquisition of space systems needs to be “faster and leaner,” stressed Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., who is expected to chair the House strategic forces subcommittee next year.

Space Development Agency missile tracking data will inform NC3

Space Development Agency missile tracking data will inform NC3
Space Development Agency missile tracking data will inform NC3

While the timeframe for certifying SDA’s Tracking Layer as part of the nuclear attack sensor network remains unclear, SDA Director Derek Tournear said there is “plenty of time” to get it done.