Science & Tech
Google Earth Is Helping Syrians Call In US Air Strikes
Kurdish militia fighters are using Android tablets and free Google mapping tools to track battle lines and coordinate close air support with the US military.
Business
SpaceX Is Picking Up the Pieces of Their Rocket Business After a Weekend Explosion
The company is combing through thousands of data feeds to figure out what went wrong - and how to protect their core business.
Science & Tech
Air Force Certifies SpaceX To Launch Military Satellites
The move breaks a monopoly long held by the United Launch Alliance.
Science & Tech
The Air Force's Secret Space Drone Is Headed Back To Orbit
Less than five years ago, the X-37B became the first U.S. spacecraft to land on a runway autonomously. Now, as before, few know what its mission actually is.
Threats
This Is What Bin Laden Was Reading Just Before He Was Killed
The English-language books in particular present a fascinating picture of the terrorist's interests, including journalist Bob Woodward’s account of president Obama’s wars.
Business
Obama Scales Back Military Equipment Sharing for Cops
After seeing how police responded to protests in Baltimore and Ferguson, the administration is changing the gear the Pentagon will share with local cops.
Policy
SpaceX's Biggest Military Advantage Isn't Just Cheap Rockets
As the upstart competes for Air Force contracts, it hopes that its competitor's reliance on Russian parts gives it an advantage.
Threats
Terrorism Finance Trackers Worry ISIS Already Using Bitcoin
The ability to move cash around national borders could help ISIS fund attacks in the West, just as an Al Qaeda group apparently funded the attacks in France.
Business
SpaceX Ends Lawsuit, Settles With Air Force for Future Launch Bids
Elon Musk’s rocket company announced a settlement with the Air Force over allegations it unfairly awarded an $11 billion space launch contract to a competitor. By Tim Fernholz
Science & Tech
The Air Force's Top-Secret Space Drone Is Finally Coming Back Home
Boeing's X-37B is coming home Tuesday after a record 22 months in orbit. What it was doing up there is still shrouded in mystery. By Tim Fernholz
Business
The Strange But True Reason the US Isn't Destroying Its Old Nukes
Since a small asteroid crashed in Russia last year, scientists are working on ways to destroy them before impact -- and they're not ruling out nuclear weapons. By Tim Fernholz
Threats
Meet the Other Terror Group in Syria That Could Actually Threaten the US
The Khorasan group is collaborating with al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the Yemeni offshoot known for trying to slip bombs past airport security. By Tim Fernholz
Threats
Air Power Alone Can't Defeat the Islamic State
Air strikes might defeat the Islamic State, but does the U.S. have the capacity to leave behind stable institutions without a massive deployment of troops and cash? By Tim Fernholz
Science & Tech
Boeing and SpaceX Tapped To Free NASA from Russian Launches
NASA awarded a $4.2 billion contract to Boeing and a $2.6 billion contract to SpaceX to send its astronauts into orbit without help from Russia. By Tim Fernholz
Threats
The Cease-Fire in Gaza By the Numbers
In the wake of the latest Gaza cease-fire agreement, here's a quick rundown on the damage and duration of Israeli-Hamas fighting this Summer. By Tim Fernholz
Threats
What Makes a Pope Sign Off on War Today?
The pope on Monday endorsed use of force in Iraq to protect minorities. But he had one key caution in the name of preventing U.S. airstrikes from escalating into a broader conflict. By Tim Fernholz
Threats
The Gaza Ground War Doesn't Look Like It Will End Any Time Soon
Israel's sixth Gaza offensive in 8 years kicked off Thursday. And there are no indications that it's part of any broader strategic plan for peace. By Tim Fernholz
Science & Tech
SpaceX Just Cleared a Key Hurdle on Its Way to Bidding for Air Force Contracts
Elon Musk's company proved for the 10th time it can launch satellites into space. But will that be enough to earn it a shot at nearly $70 billion in Air Force contracts? By Tim Fernholz
Threats
Running Guns from Ukraine to Syria Is Getting Complicated
The uneasy and sometimes very shady prospects of arming the Syrian conflict. By Tim Fernholz
Threats
Crimea Could Cost Russia’s Economy $147 Billion
Assessing the costs of annexation so far, via the International Monetary Fund. By Tim Fernholz
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