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.

Policy

Senators trade barbs about promotion holds during hearing for Air Force chief nominee

Gen. David Allvin, tapped to replace Gen. CQ Brown as leader of the Air Force, is one of hundreds of officers in limbo.

Threats

China’s new satellites extend its military reach, US says

Rapid buildup “allows them to see much further with greater precision at day and at night and through all weather,” Space Force intel chief says.

Policy

USAF aims to ‘re-optimize’ for great power competition

Kendall dispatches teams to seek better ways to organize to take on China.

Ideas

The Space Force needs a brand-new culture of its own

It doesn’t do organized violence—and shouldn’t pretend that it does.

Defense Systems

SDA readies second batch of satellites for its space data network

The Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture was designed to be the “space backbone” for JADC2.

Science & Tech

US offers rare preview of upcoming spy-satellite launch

Officials talked about Tuesday’s launch of NROL-107 in a bid to “deter the adversary.”

Science & Tech

Lockheed, Northrop share $1.5B contract for new comms satellites

Seventy-two satellites, which will begin launching in 2026, will be “the space backbone for the Joint All Domain Command and Control.”

Policy

Biden to reverse Trump decision to move Space Command to Alabama

The decision to keep the command at its current home in Colorado will surely enrage Alabama politicians.

Science & Tech

USAF tweaks competition to spread rocket work

The Pentagon had previously planned to rely on just two heavy-lift launch providers.

Science & Tech

ULA’s first Vulcan launch pushed to end of the year

After an explosion in March, the company launched an investigation into what happened to its new heavy-lift rocket during testing in Alabama.

Policy

Space Force opens marketplace, launches test initiative to get new tech faster

The service's weeks-old Commercial Space Office serves as a hub for several efforts to accelerate acquisition of next-gen tech.

Science & Tech

How Space Force wants to use AI

As satellites multiply, "we won't be able to...control all that by humans in real-time," Space Command's deputy chief says.