Defense Systems

'Space Pearl Harbor' debate rages

Policy analysts argue over how U.S. strategy should evolve to deal with asymmetric threats that could leave low Earth orbit unusable.

Defense Systems

Air Force wants to target APTs with transparent computing

MIT researchers will explore a new approach to defending against advanced persistent threats under a $7 million contract.

Defense Systems

Will SpaceX explosion impact Air Force launch competitions?

The company recently was green-lighted to compete for future launches of military satellites.

Defense Systems

Air Force awards deal to fix some Global Hawk software

The $16.2 million contract modification to Northrop Grumman is intended to correct deficiencies in ground station software.

Defense Systems

Bill would mandate a streamlined satellite program

An amendment to the Senate intel bill would put into law what the military has been trying to do anyway.

Science & Tech

Robots Won't Be Taking These Military Jobs Anytime Soon

A chief Air Force scientist says that there’s no way to automate drone-based intelligence collection without a major technological breakthrough.

Defense Systems

Humans, computers and the quest for Sensing as a Service

At the GEOINT symposium, AFRL’s Steve Rogers talks about the gap between automated systems and true autonomy.

Defense Systems

Airborne 'stealth launch' of CubeSat said to be underway

DARPA and the Air Force are readying a program to launch small, inexpensive satellites on short notice.

Business

America’s Drone Pilot Shrink Says They Need a Vacation From War

The men and women fighting America’s drone war can’t go home, no matter where they are.

Defense Systems

Air Force concludes fast-acquisition 'PlugFest' test

The event was part of the broader Bending the Cost Curve program, which aims to cut acquisition cycles for some program from years to weeks.

Defense Systems

Air Force awards $145.4M to keep BACN flying

Northrop Grumman will continue to support the system that lets Global Hawks act as all-purpose, around-the-clock communications nodes.

Business

The Air Force Is Trying To Get Some of Its Civilians To Leave

Hoping to avoid layoffs, the service is offering incentives to civilians who retire early.

Science & Tech

What To Watch For at the 2015 Paris Air Show

Aviation trendsetters and seekers converge on Le Bourget.

Defense Systems

Air Force accelerates development of military GPS receivers

The service has awarded Rockwell Collins another contract modification to speed development of the high-powered, jam-resistant devices.

Defense Systems

Air Force looking for low-cost, disposable attack drones

By relaxing its usual requirements, the service is hoping to make UAS inexpensive enough so that their loss could be "tolerated."

Defense Systems

Study: DOD needs to field laser weapons ASAP

The Center for a New American Security also recommends that military labs abandon their piecemeal approach in favor of a merged development program.

Defense Systems

Future of unmanned capabilities: MALE vs HALE

While the U.S. has had a lot of success with medium-altitude unmanned aircraft against non-state actors, more technologically formidable militaries such as China's could be a problem.

Defense Systems

Air Force certifies SpaceX for satellite launches

Upstart will compete with incumbent United Launch Alliance on GPS III launches.

Defense Systems

Airman's 'Frankenphone' connects ground forces, drone pilots

An Air Force sensor operator uses scrap parts to develop a low-budget solution to streamline communication between drone pilots and forward operators calling in air strikes.

Science & Tech

Air Force Certifies SpaceX To Launch Military Satellites

The move breaks a monopoly long held by the United Launch Alliance.