Policy
Service leaders beg for flexibility as full-year continuing resolution looms
Without a new budget—or relief from the strictures of its absence—the military can’t start new projects or pay for the unexpected.
Policy
Space Force hopes it gains from Hegseth’s budget shift
Vice chief says service is looking for things to cut—and has suggestions for things to buy.
Threats
‘Extremely lean’ Space Force acquisition units brace for Trump’s workforce cuts
Civilian employees make up about a third of the five-year-old service’s personnel.
Policy
Air Force, Space Force chiefs make forceful cases for ‘warrior ethos’
The intense speeches were delivered to a less-than-full ballroom due to Trump-administration travel restrictions.
Defense Systems
As space becomes more crowded, Space Force turns to AI
The newest service wants to understand where automation can augment—or even replace—humans in monitoring space for threats.
Defense Systems
Space Force sets up team to sort out support for ‘Iron Dome’—that is, ‘Golden Dome’
The service will be “central” to the effort to build a next-gen missile shield, Gen. Saltzman says.
Policy
Uncertainty mounts at Space Development Agency as Air Force IG prepares probe
The unexpected sidelining of its director raises questions about the future of the satellite-acquisition “constructive disruptor.”
Business
Space Force warns industry on cost overruns
The service will convert pricey programs to fixed-price contracts if needed, an official said.
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