Space Force brings 5 companies on-board Space Data Network
The new awards are aimed at demonstrating the ability of multiple satellite networks to connect to the Space Force's emerging Space Data Network.
Space Force awards 3 firms $615M to track airborne targets
The task orders come under an ID/IQ with an undisclosed value granted to nine firms in April, and follow a first order to SpaceX in May worth $4.6 billion.
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Space tag: Jackal, Puma spacecraft to chase each other Victus Haze demo
The Space Force's TacRS program has at least three more Victus demonstration projects in the works, with a total of $300 million requested from fiscal 2027 to 2031.
Rocket Lab to buy satellite communications firm Iridium
"Vertical integration is at the heart of this combination ― the ability to build, launch, and operate our own spacecraft quickly and cost-effectively," a Rocket Lab spokesperson told Breaking Defense.
SDA awards four contracts worth $3.5B for next-gen missile tracking satellites
Lockheed Martin, Rocket Lab USA, Northrop Grumman, and L3Harris Technologies each won awards to "deliver and operate 18 space vehicles" for the Space Development Agency's Tranche 3 Tracking Layer.
Rocket Lab buys GEOST, further expanding defense footprint
"Proficiency with missile-warning sensors is one of the hottest capabilities to have today, and positions the company extremely well for Golden Dome work," Caleb Henry, research director at Quilty Space, told Breaking Defense.
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The reasons why Group 2 drones are right-sized for the fight
Fuel cell technology lets smaller, more versatile VTOLs handle tasks previously reserved for larger drones.
Space Force eyeing international launch sites to increase ‘resilience’
While not necessarily a near-term possibility, Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen said the Space Force is "looking at increasing the resiliency, increasing the ways that we have to get assured access to space, that's where the these initial discussions with our international partners are coming in."
Space Force greenlights Rocket Lab, Stoke for future launches
Both companies were awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contracts under the service's National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1.
Kratos wins firm’s largest-ever $1.5 billion award for DoD hypersonic testbed
Kratos will be tasked with “systems engineering, integration, and testing (SEIT), to include integrated subscale, full-scale, and air launch services to address the need to affordably increase hypersonic flight test cadence,” according to the company.
Space Force awards contracts for Victus Haze rapid launch mission
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.
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Space Force sticks to plan for 3 high-value launch providers through 2028
Interested 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.
Rocket Lab unveils new HASTE suborbital hypersonic testbed
The company says its new rocket will be ready to launch in the first half of 2023 for a “confidential customer.”
Space Force plans to open access for small providers to multibillion launch contracts
"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.
Rocket Lab’s Electron lifts off at last from US soil
"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.