SpaceWERX

Space Force awards first contracts for satellite threat warning radar payloads

Space RCO is already looking to start a follow-on effort to build smaller threat warning sensors for a wider set of Space Force birds.

From wildfires to battlefield cloud cover, Muon’s multispectral sats pique government interest

Muon Space CEO Jonny Dyer told Breaking Defense that while the five-year-old startup is working in both the civil and defense sectors, the growth trend is on the defense side.

Scout Space nabs DARPA deal to simulate autonomous satellite swarming

The BRIDGES project is Scout's first with DARPA, but the company's SDA-related software and hardware — including its "plug and play" optical sensor packages designed as hosted payloads — already have caught the eye of Space Force officials.

Phase Four’s spacecraft engine first to demo AFRL’s game-changing ‘green’ fuel

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."

With warning tool, Slingshot Aerospace pushes industry-led space traffic management

"We believe that space needs to be in a more sustainable state — that spaceflight safety is critical to connecting the world and making sure that we continue to have space as a portal of progress and knowledge. And that's at risk today," said Slingshot Aerospace co-founder Melanie Stricklan.

After hearing Silicon Valley complaints, Hicks says no ‘magical’ fix to acquisition

“My view isn't like, I'm going to magically unlock special secret approaches that haven't been touched before,” Deputy Defense Secretary Kath Hicks said Wednesday. “I think it's more about how you start to shift the incentives"

Industry chivies White House for ‘immediate’ action to clean up space junk

The open meeting at times resembled the TV comedy Seinfeld's Festivus celebration's "airing of grievances," but there was widespread accord on a number of recommendations.

Astroscale looks to Orbit Fab space ‘gas stations’ to extend mission life

The Japanese-founded startup also will pitch its debris removal services to SPACEWerx Orbit Prime contest, says Astroscale US President Ron Lopez.

New DARPA project explores microbes for bio-manufacturing in space

The B-SURE bio-bugs program is a first baby step in using biology to create a space-based supply chain, reducing reliance on materials launched from Earth.

New Space Systems Command Gears Up Commercial Engagement

"The commercial space sector is driving the market, and "Space Systems commanders are eager to facilitate these companies and bring their unique solutions into our programs of record," says Joy White, executive director of the new Space Systems Command.

Exclusive: NRO Erects Buy American Barriers Against Allied Satellite Data

The new policy is inconsistent with efforts by DoD and NGA to expand the trusted supplier base by better integrating allied firms into their acquisition chains, critics say.

US ‘Will Fail’ If Space Acquisition Doesn’t Reform: CSPC

Space acquisition reform so far has been focused on "small dollar" activities, with most big-ticket programs such as NSSL stuck in the bad old ways, says a new report by Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.

AF Taps ‘Flying Car’ Firms For ‘Prime’ Investment; Expands Program

The Space Prime effort could support game-changing "space transport and logistics" capabilities, says Col. Eric Felt, head of AFRL's Space Vehicles Directorate.