Victus Haze is the second iteration of the Space Force’s Tactically Responsive Space-3 (TacRS-3) mission to launch a prototype satellite within 24 hours of a “go” order, but also is designed to quickly perform an up-close on-orbit inspection of a (simulated) threatening spacecraft.
By Aaron MehtaInterested companies have until Dec. 15 to respond to the service’s dual requests for proposals: one for the critical, high-dollar NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 launches; and the other for Lane 1 small launches.
By Theresa HitchensThe company says its new rocket will be ready to launch in the first half of 2023 for a “confidential customer.”
By Michael Marrow“We developed an acquisition strategy consisting of a dual-lane approach that provides access to diverse commercially available systems,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, Space Force’s acquisition lead for space launch.
By Theresa Hitchens“Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 is designed to serve the responsive space needs of commercial, civil, defense, and national security customers, supporting up to 12 missions per year,” the company said.
By Theresa Hitchens“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.
By Theresa HitchensPeter Beck, the firm’s CEO, has big plans to follow the first launch from his new US facility.
By Tim FishRather 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.
By Theresa HitchensNROL 162, nicknamed by Rocket Lab “Wise One Looks Ahead” is scheduled to launch as early as 1:00 am EDT on June 13 from New Zealand, according to a company press release. NROL-199, “Antipodean Adventure” is scheduled to launched on July 22.
By Theresa HitchensAhead of the Wednesday launch, mystery surrounds what the mission of NROL-87 is. NRO never talks about the purpose of specific satellites, period, but the payload will be launched to an orbit consistent with that of an imaging satellite.
By Theresa Hitchens“Firefly Alpha will provide a unique capability to the US Government that is not currently available: a 1,000 kg to orbit, commercial, domestic, launch vehicle that can be used for a wide variety of missions,” says Firefly spokesperson Kim Jennett.
By Colin ClarkSo-called ‘responsive launch,’ the ability to launch practically on demand, has been a Holy Grail for the Pentagon for more than a decade with arguably not much real-world progress.
By Theresa HitchensSpace acquisition reform so far has been focused on “small dollar” activities, with most big-ticket programs such as NSSL stuck in the bad old ways, says a new report by Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.
By Theresa Hitchens“The external and internal communication regarding [DoD] smallsat strategy is not consistent and not clear,” Carissa Christensen, CEO of Bryce Space and Technologies, said wryly.
By Theresa Hitchens