NRO awards 6 study contracts for hyperspectral satellite imagery

NRO awards 6 study contracts for hyperspectral satellite imagery
NRO awards 6 study contracts for hyperspectral satellite imagery

Hyperspectral sensors can “see” what materials a surface is made of and identify individual elements in the surrounding atmosphere. For national security purposes, hyperspectral imagery could for example detect evidence of chemical weapon production and/or use.

Industry squabbles on need for novel space regulation as White House deliberates

Industry squabbles on need for novel space regulation as White House deliberates
Industry squabbles on need for novel space regulation as White House deliberates

“And as weird as that sounds, you know, from an industry guy, I absolutely need regulation and enforcement,” said Tory Bruno, CEO of rocket maker ULA. “Because one bad actor can ruin that entire common environment for all of us.”

FCC proposes to ease direct satellite-to-phone communications

FCC proposes to ease direct satellite-to-phone communications
FCC proposes to ease direct satellite-to-phone communications

While DoD interested in the potential of satellite-to-wireless, government, military and industry officials speaking at Satellite 2023 recognized there also are a number of challenges for military operators.

Commerce eases satellite exports to MTCR partners; South Korea a key focus

Commerce eases satellite exports to MTCR partners; South Korea a key focus
Commerce eases satellite exports to MTCR partners; South Korea a key focus

The new policy does not change the restrictions for exports of rockets or drones designated by the MTCR as Category 1 systems.

Lockheed Martin’s plan to ‘Ignite’ space innovation

Lockheed Martin’s plan to ‘Ignite’ space innovation
Lockheed Martin’s plan to ‘Ignite’ space innovation

Robert Lightfoot, executive VP of Lockheed Martin Space, explained that the Ignite team pulls together four previously separate organizations to undertake fast-paced technology development.

Project Blackjack: DARPA’s test of satellite laser links delayed

Project Blackjack: DARPA’s test of satellite laser links delayed
Project Blackjack: DARPA’s test of satellite laser links delayed

A DARPA official couldn’t confirm an exact launch date for the two Telesat birds, but explained in an email today that the agency is awaiting on a launch slot as well as the availability of an integration facility.

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.

Northrop experimenting with VR, mo-cap tech to help develop next-gen missile warning sats

Northrop experimenting with VR, mo-cap tech to help develop next-gen missile warning sats
Northrop experimenting with VR, mo-cap tech to help develop next-gen missile warning sats

The two satellites under development will eventually “provide precise, timely sensor coverage over the northern hemisphere to help deter and defend against ballistic and hypersonic missiles,” the company said.

STRATCOM wrapping spectrum ops center plan, as military faces bandwidth grab by 5G firms

STRATCOM wrapping spectrum ops center plan, as military faces bandwidth grab by 5G firms
STRATCOM wrapping spectrum ops center plan, as military faces bandwidth grab by 5G firms

STRATCOM’s Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Center is focused primarily on repelling threats from Russia and China, but DoD also faces a potentially crippling spectrum grab by US commercial 5G wireless giants.