Why the US Navy wants to build a fully autonomous satellite
The system, called Autosat, can task, calibrate its signals and send and receive information on its own without the need for a human operator.
Air Warfare
How Trump’s Air Force pick could elevate space priorities
Troy Meink's specialization in space could upend the priorities of a service typically dominated by Air Force interests.
Trump picks intel community official as next Air Force secretary
If confirmed, Troy Meink would inherit key decisions about the Air Force's fighter force and how to right-size the Space Force as it takes on new missions.
Trump’s Pentagon should expand innovation hub, tech panel says
The Defense Innovation Board says DIU needs a bigger budget and more infrastructure to help guide nontraditional firms to scale technology.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket debuts
New Glenn lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida just after 2 a.m., carrying a payload for the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit.
Space Development Agency validates high-speed satellite comm links
During a demo, York Space Systems and SpaceX connected two of their satellites via a laser communication link, proving a key technology for SDA.
Pentagon picks Kratos for hypersonic testbed program
Through MACH-TB 2.0, the Pentagon wants to significantly increase the number of hypersonic test flights.
Pentagon’s 2025 industry investments target space, biochem and more
The Office of Strategic Capital released its fiscal 2025 investment strategy Thursday, offering a snapshot of its priorities for the coming year.
Money, Musk and mission creep: How Trump could shape DOD’s space drift
The path to a larger Space Force budget isn’t clear — even as Trump, who oversaw the creation of the service, prepares to take office in the coming weeks.
Space Operations Command preps for new shared domain awareness tool
The remaining ATLAS software is slated for delivery in the first quarter of 2025.
New US Space Force jammers aim to disrupt China’s SATCOM signals
The Remote Modular Terminals, which disrupt adversary satellites by "yelling in their ear," as one official put it, are cleared for initial fielding,
Space Force must grow to counter China and Russia, lawmaker says
House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said the service is not sized to meet increasing threats from China and Russia.
SpaceX launches rapid response GPS mission
The effort, dubbed Rapid Response Trailblazer, was meant to demonstrate the ability to quickly plan and launch a mission in around six months.
Space Command strategy aims to boost commercial role in operations
The updated strategy, approved in November, focuses on SPACECOM’s core tasks and how commercial space capabilities fit within those areas.
ULA eyes annual mods to turn rocket stage into space interceptor
The fast-moving vehicle would be highly maneuverable and could be used to tow satellites or for counterspace missions, ULA CEO Tory Bruno told reporters.
Army, Navy conduct key hypersonic missile test
The successful tests brings both services closer to fielding the long-awaited system.
New antennas for the Satellite Control Network are coming next year
The system, which is dispersed around the world, provides critical launch support, satellite tracking and control, and emergency assistance for spacecraft.
