Defense Systems

Air Force's unmanned 'shuttle' breaks orbital endurance record

The X-37B spacecraft’s secret mission could involve testing new space surveillance technology.

Defense Systems

Amazon cloud gets DOD authorization

AWS is approved for low-risk level use by all defense components.

Defense Systems

DARPA taps Boeing to build satellite-launching aircraft

The ALASA program seeks to cut the costs of launching small satellites into space with a reusable launch vehicle.

Defense Systems

Pentagon plans to seed ocean floor with payloads waiting to be activated

Upward Falling Payloads would be remotely launched to disrupt and monitor enemy ships.

Defense Systems

Google opts out of Robotics Challenge funding; DARPA expands the field

Team SCHAFT, which topped the trials in December, moves to the self-funded track, freeing up money for more teams in the finals.

Defense Systems

Navy’s high-flying Triton drone completes initial flight tests

The unmanned aircraft will add over 2.7 million square miles of ISR coverage.

Defense Systems

Rob Carey leaving DOD after 31 years

Carey, DOD principal deputy CIO and a former Navy CIO, is headed to the private sector.

Defense Systems

Air Force completes rollout of medical messaging system

MiCare gives airmen and their families a secure online portal for many medical services.

Defense Systems

Army network of the future: Fast, flexible and end-to-end

CIO says the service aims to increase bandwidth and IT capacity “a thousand times.”

Defense Systems

Navy’s robot will interact with sailors, fight fires aboard ship

NRL and researchers from Virginia Tech and Penn recently demonstrated a humanoid robot, SAFFiR, that can work side-by-side with firefighters.

Defense Systems

Classified NRO satellite readied for launch

Secret mission will use a heavy lift launch configuration.

Defense Systems

Navy sending black-box locator to aid in search for MH 370

The Pacific Command is sending the highly sensitive Towed Pinger Locator 25 system to the Indian Ocean.

Defense Systems

Biometrics for access control is knocking on the door

After a 90-day Army pilot program, provost marshal general concludes: “This is the future.”

Defense Systems

Small, deep-UV lasers could detect biological and chemical agents on the battlefield

DARPA’s LUSTER program aims for handheld lasers that would allow soldiers to detect dangerous substances from a distance.

Defense Systems

Watch: Big Dog robotic mule gets a head-arm

Four-legged robot is now capable of throwing heavy objects.

Defense Systems

Pentagon to reconsider medals for UAV pilots and cyber warriors

Hagel orders a review of military decorations and awards program.

Defense Systems

The future of satellites: What are the options?

From reusable launch vehicles to high-throughput satellites and hosted payloads, DOD looks to meet rising demand while cutting costs.

Defense Systems

DIA issues call for bids on $6 billion E-SITE contract

The contract will provide worldwide IT services and support for the defense intelligence community and its partners.

Defense Systems

Next phase of Mobile Hotspot program takes wing

DARPA hires L-3 to develop radio and router pods that can be mounted on a Shadow UAV, creating an airborne hotspot.

Defense Systems

Air Force wants to toughen up aerial layer communications

The service is looking to spend nearly $10 million to upgrade current systems to operate in degraded, contested or outnumbered situations.