Space Force needs more money, people to secure cislunar space: Mitchell Institute

Space Force needs more money, people to secure cislunar space: Mitchell Institute
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.”

presented by
U.S. Space Force Tetra-1 launches to GEO

U.S. Space Force Tetra-1 launches to GEO
U.S. Space Force Tetra-1 launches to GEO

A new breed of small sat for the U.S. Space Force launches into orbit.

Near-Term Funds For Second Space Fence Radar Uncertain

Near-Term Funds For Second Space Fence Radar Uncertain
Near-Term Funds For Second Space Fence Radar Uncertain

Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting, head of Space Operations Command, said that the Space Force is now following 35,000 space objects, a 22% jump in only the last two years.

Space Force To Develop Tech For New Types Of Launch

Space Force To Develop Tech For New Types Of Launch
Space Force To Develop Tech For New Types Of Launch

The funds will support potential new space missions such as re-fueling satellites on orbit.

Space Force Awards NSTXL Space Consortium Contract

Space Force Awards NSTXL Space Consortium Contract
Space Force Awards NSTXL Space Consortium Contract

The Space & Missile Systems Center has reaffirmed its choice of NSTXL to manage the public-private Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC), rejecting allegations by The Washington Post.

Did The Space Force Just Ruin OTAs For Everyone?

Did The Space Force Just Ruin OTAs For Everyone?
Did The Space Force Just Ruin OTAs For Everyone?

Other Transaction Authority awards have soared 712 percent since 2015, helping jumpstart R&D, including on COVID vaccines. But now the Space Force’s OTAs have been derailed by a court case against contractor NSTXL – and the whole OTA system is under fire.

Space Force To Focus SATCOM Management On JADC2 Needs: EXCLUSIVE

Space Force To Focus SATCOM Management On JADC2 Needs: EXCLUSIVE
Space Force To Focus SATCOM Management On JADC2 Needs: EXCLUSIVE

“The Joint Force depends upon SATCOM communication services as part of its JADC2 and Internet of Things,” says Maj. Gen. Kim Crider, Space Force acting technology innovation officer.

Army ‘Leading The Way’ In Commercial SATCOM Buys

Army ‘Leading The Way’ In Commercial SATCOM Buys
Army ‘Leading The Way’ In Commercial SATCOM Buys

Major SATCOM providers — such as Hughes (a subsidiary of SATCOM giant Echostar), Viasat, Intelsat, Inmarsat, SES and Eutelsat — argue that this would not only ease problems with service gaps that have long plagued troops in the field, but also be cheaper and allow speedier integration of new technology.

Don’t Buy More SATCOM Bandwidth; Better Manage What You’ve Got: Hughes

Don’t Buy More SATCOM Bandwidth; Better Manage What You’ve Got: Hughes
Don’t Buy More SATCOM Bandwidth; Better Manage What You’ve Got: Hughes

“They waste a lot of bandwidth right now,” Lober said of DoD’s SATCOM management.

EXCLUSIVE Revolutionary SATCOM Vision Hits Raymond’s Desk: AFSPC

EXCLUSIVE Revolutionary SATCOM Vision Hits Raymond’s Desk: AFSPC
EXCLUSIVE Revolutionary SATCOM Vision Hits Raymond’s Desk: AFSPC

The vision itself isn’t the only thing that is needed, industry sources say. A concept of operations is required for how the Air Force will manage different user needs and interact with different industry providers. “The vision is out, but there is no concept of operations,” said one source.

DARPA In Talks With New Robot Sat Servicing Company

DARPA In Talks With New Robot Sat Servicing Company
DARPA In Talks With New Robot Sat Servicing Company

The robot satellite known as RSGS will provide four types of service: inspection of anomalies that appear in a satellite’s operations; assist with adjustments to a satellite’s orbit; correct mechanical problems; and, help install new payloads to upgrade capabilities.

SMC Offers To Help Speed Deals For SDA

SMC Offers To Help Speed Deals For SDA
SMC Offers To Help Speed Deals For SDA

The Space & Missile Systems Center’s Space Enterprise Consortium has been so successful at providing competitive prototypes, fast, that SMC wants to expand its scope dramatically.