Ideas
It's time for a new Key West agreement
Airpower, air defense, Marines’ role—all need revisiting, three-quarters of a century after the seminal roles-and-missions pact.
Business
Blue Origin’s rocket reaches orbit on first flight, promising competition for SpaceX
Maiden flight brings reusable heavy-lift New Glenn closer to launching U.S. military and spy satellites.
Policy
Trump taps NRO official as Air Force secretary
The move emphasizes the next administration's pro-space agenda.
Science & Tech
Outgoing Air Force secretary floats options for 6th-gen jet program
Frank Kendall offers a vision for his department’s future—though NGAD’s fate will be up to the Trump team.
Business
The Henry Ford of satellite buses?
LA startup aims to churn out 12 mostly-standard buses a month.
Ideas
2024 in review: Space Force
The year saw challenges in orbit and on the ground as the young service continued to expand.
Business
ULA’s Vulcan won’t launch any Space Force missions this year
The new heavy-lift rocket has yet to receive certification from the service.
Business
One contractor is on the Space Force’s naughty list
The service has never confirmed putting companies on the blacklist until now.
Policy
Military services upping recruiting goals after rebound in 2024
Recruitment numbers are looking better after more recruiters are getting into communities.
Policy
Space Force’s effort to bring in new launch providers hasn’t worked yet. Officials aren’t surprised.
SpaceX won the first set of launches in Lane 1 of NSSL Phase 3 competition.
Business
Boeing will look to ‘do less and do better’: CEO
Defense and commercial aircraft will remain at the company’s core, but “some things on the fringe” might have to go.
Defense Systems
Secret space plane tests new orbit-switching maneuver
The aerobraking X-37B will use Earth’s atmosphere to change its altitude using minimal fuel.
Threats
Industry ‘hamstrung’ by Space Force-intel community’s turf war
Commercial firms say NGA-centric acquisition can’t move fast enough to help combatant commands or foster innovation.
Business
Can ULA clear the final hurdle on Vulcan?
The company is preparing to launch the heavy-lift rocket for the second time, on Friday.
Business
Aerojet digging ‘out of this hole’ as it clears rocket backlog, president says
Thousands of motors behind schedule last year, the company says its deliveries are catching up again.
Defense Systems
The Space Force issued thousands of smartwatches to replace PT tests
Here’s how it’s going.
Defense Systems
Budget drama could snag Pentagon’s satellite launch award
While source selection will continue, launch mission assignments for 2025 could stall.
Threats