Ideas

What's at stake as Congress hashes out the 2024 defense budget

A guide to the biggest differences between proposals for the four-months-late defense appropriations bill.

Policy

Inside Space Force's budget priorities and spending patterns

In the past 12 months, the youngest service has awarded contracts worth an estimated $11.9 billion.

Ideas

Where the Space Force’s new ‘theory of success’ succeeds

The chief of space operations’ revelatory paper should be read across the Joint Force.

Defense Systems

Pentagon’s next-gen missile-tracking effort moves ahead—for now

Three firms have been picked to build 54 satellites, but plans depend on funds in the still-unpassed 2024 budget.

Business

ULA's new rocket took off. But can it challenge SpaceX?

The Vulcan Centaur isn't reusable, which makes it harder to compete on price.

Science & Tech

New report urges US to look beyond cheap low-earth satellites for missile warning

Tracking hypersonic missiles across oceans is like trying to “find a cup of tea that you’ve dropped into a swimming pool.”

Threats

Space Force sets up shop in Europe, Africa combatant commands

SPACEFOREUR-AF is the latest office created to serve warfighting commands around the world.

Defense Systems

A key Pentagon data link can now talk to satellites—but not in the USA

A Link 16-to-space demonstration abroad went well. Could FAA approval for domestic tests be next?

Science & Tech

Hamas attack shows space-based sensing can’t see everything

A new Pentagon constellation will close some gaps, but the need for “old-school” human intelligence will remain.

Science & Tech

Space Force hunts for mature technology in 'Hyperspace Challenge’ program

Expanding its reach from startups to established players, this year's event seeks satellites that are more autonomous, maneuverable, and safer from debris.

Science & Tech

Space Force’s speedy launch record clears way for bigger launches—faster

The “Victus Nox” mission is part of the service’s “tactically responsive space” effort to respond quickly to in-orbit threats.

Business

Conference Wire: Air, Space & Cyber 2023, Day 3

New photos of the B-21 got some buzz, but drones—and especially CCAs—were a hot topic.

Defense Systems

Space Force needs more cyber operators for weapons, chief says

Protecting them is a primary concern for Space Operations Command, says its vice commander.

Business

Conference Wire: Air, Space & Cyber 2023, Day 2

Speeches by the chiefs of the Air Force and Space Forces were highlights at the giant gathering outside Washington, D.C.