Author Archive
Defense
Chinese satellites are breaking the US 'monopoly' on long-range targeting
China “has rapidly advanced in space in a way that few people can appreciate,” Space Force official says.
Defense
Russian space nuke could render low-Earth orbit unusable for a year, US official says
Pentagon’s space-policy leader noted with concern Moscow’s recent veto of a UN resolution against putting nuclear weapons in space.
Defense
Pentagon canceled Northrop’s classified satellite program due to ‘budgetary concerns’
Its CEO also said the company won’t compete to build cheap, non-survivable drones.
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.”
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
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.
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.
Defense
Space Force: We need a hotline to China
Direct communications could ward off miscalculation as space militarizes faster than norms develop, officials say.
Defense
First Space Force guardian to be launched into space this summer
Col. Nick Hague will be part of a six-month mission for NASA.
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
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.
Defense
US offers rare preview of upcoming spy-satellite launch
Officials talked about Tuesday’s launch of NROL-107 in a bid to “deter the adversary.”
Defense