Defense

Spy agency ready to launch new vehicle-tracking satellites

After tests go well, NRO director looks to start replacing JSTARS aircraft with orbital sensors.

Defense

China’s moon plans worry Space Force

New orbits could open “potential attack vectors” on US satellites, general says.

Civil

Pentagon eyes Starship, designed for Mars, for military missions somewhat closer to home

After a successful, if abbreviated, third test flight, SpaceX’s reusable mega-rocket might be ready before the U.S. military is.

Defense

Space Force seeks orbital-refueling tech in new budget

But spending caps will slow counterspace efforts, space chief says in interview.

Defense

Russian space nuke wouldn’t alter US orbital-network plans, Space Force says

The nascent Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture is built on the idea that lots of satellites offer plenty of redundancy.

Civil

Rocket Lab won’t be ready to launch its new rocket by year’s end, documents suggest

This likely means a delay for the Pentagon’s effort to boost competition for rocket launches.

Ideas

China is building its own Starlink—even as questions surround Musk's constellation

A recent rocket launch lofted satellites for a Chinese service to mimic SpaceX, which was slammed this weekend by a top U.S. lawmaker.

Science & Tech

NASA needs to refocus on supercomputing to keep pace in space, watchdog says

The space agency “needs a renewed commitment and sustained leadership attention” to enhance its overburdened and vulnerable high-end computing assets.

Defense

Space Force: We need a hotline to China

Direct communications could ward off miscalculation as space militarizes faster than norms develop, officials say.

Civil

Senators take bipartisan shot at preventing space jams

Senate legislation seeks to make “basic-level” space data, analytics and other services available to help maintain U.S. dominance in the space sector.

Civil

National Archives tees up new rules for UFO records

New legislation mandates a governmentwide repository of records dealing with "unidentified anomalous phenomena."

Defense

Is Russia putting an anti-satellite nuke in space?

A long-ago U.S. test showed the kind of havoc that could wreak in orbit.

Science & Tech

New Army space plan anticipates 'operator'-level space capabilities, general says

The new Army Space and Missile Defense Command leader also praised the use of Coyote anti-drone interceptors.

Defense

Northrop to eat $1.2B on B-21 program

The CEO says the company has now learned not to underbid on fixed-price contracts.

Defense

Inside Space Force's budget priorities and patterns

The military's youngest service branch is emphasizing satellites, research and development, and resiliency in its budget.

Defense

CNO: US Navy is having a 1930s moment

Franchetti highlights “warfighting” and “warfighters” as key priorities.

Defense

ULA's new rocket took off. But can it challenge SpaceX?

The Vulcan Centaur isn't reusable, which makes it harder to compete on price.