Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall explained that the “small decrease in the number for the Space Force” isn’t itself quite reflective of reality, as there are mitigating circumstances that lessen the blow.
By Theresa HitchensA major overhaul is coming in software for missile warning
Space Systems Command’s FORGE program is the first, major missile-warning software modernization effort in 20 years.
The company also is providing a ground system for the sensors that could provide data about interference threats to users across the Defense Department and Intelligence Community, said Josh Hartman of GEOST’s parent firm.
By Theresa Hitchens
The bulk of SDA’s FY24 request, some $4.1 billion, is in research, development, test and evaluation aimed at getting the first iterations of its planned satellites for both data relay, called the Transport Layer, and missile warning and tracking, called the Tracking Layer, into orbit.
By Theresa Hitchens
China’s growing number of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellites are “designed to find, fix, track and target US forces and allied forces. They’re designed to help kill sailors, airmen, soldiers, and Marines,” said Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, head of the Space Force’s Indo-Pacific component command.
By Theresa Hitchens
In a “Commander’s Note” dated March 3, obtained by Breaking Defense, Saltzman argues that the need for space superiority in the face of adversary threats is a key reason the Space Force was created.
By Theresa Hitchens
Stephen “Bucky” Butow, director of space at the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit summed up the end goal for future operations as creating a “blue collar space.”
By Theresa Hitchens
John Plumb, DoD assistant secretary for space policy, suggested overuse of SAPs is hindering information sharing across programs and, more importantly, to allies.
By Theresa Hitchens
GA-ASI’s MQ-9B: The right UAV for persistence, power, and performance
When assessing the state of the art of unmanned aerial systems, it’s critical to be very clear about what various aircraft can and can’t do – and could never do.
“A capable and resilient weapon system will be operationally ineffective if its personnel, expertise, tactical employment, and sustainment are insufficient for the mission,” Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman says in his first commander’s note on fielding combat-ready space forces.
By Theresa Hitchens
The Department of the Air Force aims to set up a new program office dedicated solely to “resiliency,” a key pillar of America’s space strategy.
By Theresa Hitchens Learning from Russia’s failures in Ukraine, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman said a key focus going forward is “making sure that not only do we have the systems to do the mission, but that our operators have the training the experience, and we have validated tactics that actually enable those capabilities.”
By Theresa Hitchens
John Plumb noted that his office now is working directly with the IC “on reducing some of those classification issues to the point where we can share” information with allies and partners to enable collaborative operations.
By Theresa Hitchens
Pentagon acquisition of space systems needs to be “faster and leaner,” stressed Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., who is expected to chair the House strategic forces subcommittee next year.
By Theresa Hitchens
Former NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine told Breaking Defense that Phase Four has the potential to “disrupt the in-space propulsion market,” and its technology “is important for the country.”
By Theresa Hitchens
The Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Gen. Chance Saltzman as the next, and second, Space Force chief was free of major fireworks — suggesting an easy ‘yea’ vote.
By Theresa Hitchens
