Shifting gears: Space Force moves to embrace space mobility for orbital warfare
The service's new Objective Force plan calls for demonstrating on-orbit refueling and fielding operational "space tugs" by 2030.
Industry bullish on DoC draft license process for novel space activities
The Office of Space Commerce certification process would be voluntary for industry, due to the fact that congressional authorization would be required for the imposition of any new regulations.
Satellites at the center: Inside the Pentagon’s next-gen space architecture
From emerging data networks to missile tracking and cyber resilience, Breaking Defense’s latest eBook brings together essential reporting on the evolving role of satellites in national security.
SPACECOM chief cites Army, Marines as models for expanding on-orbit warfighting exercises
Gen. Stephen Whiting, commander of US Space Command, today revealed his "Apollo Maneuvers" exercise concept involving satellite movements, responsive launch and "spectrum maneuvering."
Space Force envisions rolling awards for new RG-XX neighborhood watch satellites
Space Systems Command intends to issue task orders to qualified vendors annually based on funding and operational needs, said Col. Byron McClain, SSC program executive officer for Space Combat Power.
Golden Dome SBIs will need to be defended from adversary attack: Experts
The satellites will need to be defended "not only from adversary kinetic or local orbital issues, but also from cyber attacks, electronic jamming and laser attacks," said Patrick Binning, a professor at the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering.
In a first, Space Force to require refueling capability for next-gen neighborhood watch sats
While the Pentagon has funded experimental re-fueling efforts, RG-XX is the first official acquisition program to have a refueling requirement.
The AFCEA DC Small Business Breakfast Program is coming up next Wednesday 5/20.
The event explores how AFCEA DC is accelerating delivery of next-gen capabilities to the US Navy and the Navy's transformation of small business programs. Secure your spot today!
It’s more than fuel: Why the Space Force needs in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing
In this op-ed, Charles Galbreath argues the Space Force should adopt in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing as a means to maintain space superiority over China.
Chinese sats appear to be attempting first-ever on-orbit refueling, sat tracking firms say
"While this type of close approach activity does not automatically signify a military mission, it obviously could provide a co-orbital counterspace capability," expert Victoria Samson told Breaking Defense.
Space Force picks up pace of on-orbit refueling experiments
Space Systems Command is moving out with a trio of projects — contracting with Northrop Grumman for two separate experiments, and with Astroscale US for the first on-orbit refueling operation involving a military satellite.
SPACECOM prepping data fusion pilot to create ‘common operational picture’
Space domain awareness is one of the mission areas that SPACECOM Commander Gen. Stephen Whiting said currently needs improved command and control capabilities.
presented by
Voyager is fortifying the U.S. Defense supply chain
Answering the Pentagon’s call to bolster defense industrial base.
Space Safari, DIU to select Victus Haze launchers within ‘weeks’
"This will be a modified mission from the Victus Nox mission," David Ryan, space portfolio manager at the Defense Innovation Unit said, noting that "there are two parts of the mission, and DIU is working on a single part with Space Safari."
After you: DoD, industry look to each other for investment in space mobility
Lars Hoffman, Blue Origin's vice president of national security sales, said that a viable commercial market for space mobility and logistics "doesn't exist right now."
White House official urges more ‘real’ Pentagon investment in space mobility
"We can't expect to bridge the valley of death through S&T programs, and industry accelerator programs. ... We need to identify and prioritize resources, funding and personnel," said Diane Howard, National Space Council head of commercial space policy.
Space Force needs more money, people to secure cislunar space: Mitchell Institute
The Mitchell Institute is advocating that from now on Congress bolster the Space Force's budget by "about $250M a year" and "increase end strength by approximately 200 personnel for the new responsibilities associated with emerging national interests on the moon and the cislunar region."