Air Force weighs plan to cancel SDA’s next set of data relay sats in favor of SpaceX: Sources
The shift was recommended by the Space Force in order to protect the service's high-priority efforts, sources told Breaking Defense.
Space supply chain gaps: Propulsion, hardened electronics and laser links
Even just "mapping the supply chain is hard stuff," said Reza Nikfarjam, deputy director of the Credit Program at the Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital (OSC).
Modernizing defense enterprise IT without disrupting the mission
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SDA again postpones launch of first ‘operational’ data relay, missile warning satellites
SDA originally had hoped to begin launching the Tranche 1 Transport and Tracking Layer constellations for its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture stationed in low Earth orbit in September 2024.
Space Systems Command chief backs ‘important’ work of Space Development Agency
Elsewhere, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman said his top priority is "space control," a term that for many years was verboten at the Pentagon.
Too soon? GAO questions tech readiness of satellite laser links
The Space Development Agency "has taken steps to develop laser communications technology but has not yet fully demonstrated it in space," finds a report released today by the Government Accountability Office.
Space Force team mapping service’s contributions to Iron Dome missile shield
"We are leaning forward establishing this technical IPT to try to pull together all of the systems and start thinking about it from an overarching perspective," Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman said.
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In response to Viasat suit, SDA will recompete 10-satellite award to Tyvak
The court filings do not provide a proposed schedule for the new bid process, but do reveal that it will be managed by officials who were not involved in overseeing the original contract awards.
Sensing grid should be ‘top priority’ for US Iron Dome: NORTHCOM head
“You can't defeat what you can't see, and the adversaries have an increasing capability of reaching us and threatening us from ranges beyond what some of our current systems can detect and track," said Gen. Gregory Guillot, who leads US Northern Command.
SDA asks industry to propose 60-day studies of ‘novel’ capabilities for Iron Dome
The SDA call for studies on speeding HBTSS "missile defense capabilities" is interesting, as its wording differs somewhat from language in an earlier solicitation from the Missile Defense Agency for proposals that appears to refer to an HBTSS satellite constellation.
EXCLUSIVE: DoD memo seeks review of Space Development Agency’s independent status, plans
The memo calls into question whether the Space Development Agency's approach to its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture is meeting warfighter needs.
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Air Force taps Rapid Capabilities Office deputy as acting SDA chief
New acting SDA head William Blauser, who came to Air Force RCO last July from Systems Technology and Research LLC in Arlington, Va., has had a long career in Defense Department acquisition, including of space systems at the National Reconnaissance Office.
Missile Defense Agency asks industry for American ‘Iron Dome’ concepts
The agency's RFI seeks capabilities that can be deployed in "epochs" starting in 2026, and running in two year increments to "beyond" Dec. 31 2030.
The Weekly Break Out Ep. 3: Hegseth arrives and SDA drama [VIDEO]
In the third episode of Breaking Defense's web series, Editor-in-Chief Aaron Mehta and Managing Editor Lee Ferran are joined by Air Warfare Reporter Michael Marrow to preview the week to come.
EXCLUSIVE: Viasat bid protest at heart of DoD investigation of SDA head Tournear
According to several sources involved, Tournear allegedly stepped afoul of DoD contracting procedures when awarding two prototype agreements worth approximately $424 million.