Science & Tech
Anduril, General Atomics win more USAF money to develop robot wingmen
But the giants they beat out are welcome to pitch self-developed drones for production contracts.
Defense
RTX moves away from competing as a prime for space contracts
COO: “We've got some other strengths in some of the key components that go in the prime satellites and buses.”
Civil
Bipartisan bill seeks to grow NASA program using drones to fight wildfires
New legislation attempts to improve NASA’s Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response to Operations program so firefighters can more effectively use drones.
Commercial
Mars sample return mission might have a commercial aspect
NASA is looking for fresh ideas to bring Martian samples home, opening up opportunities for commercial space companies to join the challenge.
Exclusive
Science & Tech
ULA has an ambitious plan to ‘reuse’ Vulcan rocket: keep it in space
The heavy-lift rocket’s upper stage might extend its service as a tug or defender.
Defense
In a budgetary first, Air Force will launch two programs without asking Congress in advance
The service is using a power granted by lawmakers in the 2024 NDAA.
Defense
Space Force outlines vision for hybrid military-commercial-allied mission architectures
New strategy offers guidance on what the USSF wants to buy, but not how much it plans to spend.
Defense
US-China mil-to-mil thaw reaches space
Beijing has reached out on space safety, says U.S. Space Command leader, who also issued warnings about new PLA capabilities.
Commercial
Lawmaker seeks to give NASA funding flexibility on interagency research efforts
Legislation from Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Ill., would allow agencies to transfer funding to NASA to jointly partner on scientific or engineering projects.
Commercial
Space operations likely to be shaped by sustainable emerging tech, report says
Innovative capabilities that promote reusability, safety and longevity are likely to dictate the future of space exploration, according to a recent white paper from Forecast International.
Defense
‘Military force’ could be directed to protect private sector orbital assets, DOD strategy says
The Pentagon’s first-ever commercial space integration strategy said the department would take steps to “mitigate risks to commercial space actors.”
Commercial
Pentagon will use commercial space assets in military operations, under new plan
The unclassified document aims “to be transparent” about what the military needs and how private companies fit in.
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
Chinese space, nuclear development is ‘breathtakingly fast,’ DOD officials warn
Heads of STRATCOM, Space Command discuss growing nuclear, space dangers.
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.
Almost There!
Help us tailor content specifically for you: