Threats

The D Brief: Congress investigates boat strikes; Promises of profit propelled peace proposal; Guardsman in critical condition; Germany’s war plan; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson and Bradley Peniston
Business

Space Force won’t say who got money to start developing orbital interceptors

Federal regulations don’t require disclosure for awards under $9 million.

  • Thomas Novelly
Threats

The D Brief: A second Southern Spear; Boeing strike ends; Heavy-lift competitor sticks landing; Anduril’s S. Korean lashup; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson and Bradley Peniston
Science & Tech

Space Force astronauts? New report says guardians in space would be asset for future ops

Experts say humans in space would be advantage, alongside needed tech improvements.

  • Thomas Novelly
Threats

The D Brief: Venezuela targets picked?; STRATCOM nom pressed on tests; USAF fighter plan; New Guard quick-reaction forces; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson and Bradley Peniston
Business

Airbus, Leonardo, Thales join to reshape European space landscape

Defense firms propose to unite satellite, communications, and Earth-observation capabilities to challenge global rivals and secure Europe's strategic autonomy.

  • Richard Pettibone and Carter Palmer, Forecast International
Business

As space weapons proliferate, spy satellites are getting new duties

Space Force signs selects Vantor to watch for naughty satellites, space threats.

  • Patrick Tucker
Business

Flood of questions leads Missile Defense Agency to push Golden Dome deadline one week

Pitches for a slice of MDA’s 10-year, up-to-$151 billion contract vehicle are now due Oct. 16.

  • Thomas Novelly
Threats

Elon Musk’s SpaceX took money directly from Chinese investors, company insider testifies

The newly unsealed testimony marks the first time direct Chinese investment in the company has been disclosed, raising new questions about foreign stakes in one of America’s most important military contractors.

  • Justin Elliott and Joshua Kaplan, ProPublica
Business

Defense One Radio, Ep. 194: Highlights from AFA's Air, Space & Cyber Conference

Our editors explore the dominant themes from this year's edition.

  • Defense One Staff
Policy

Foreign ties are crucial to US space dominance, officials say

More partnerships, tighter alliances are needed to counter advances by China and others, U.S. space leaders said.

  • Lauren C. Williams
Threats

The D Brief: Trump’s Ukraine reversal; Russian refineries, hit; China’s missiles; Iran’s rebuilding effort; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson and Bradley Peniston
Threats

The D Brief: Another boat strike; Russian jets over Estonia; F-47’s new flight date; Shutdown watch; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson and Bradley Peniston
Exclusive Science & Tech

When China plays orbital hide-and-seek, Maui’s telescopes give the US an edge

In an interview, Space Force’s Saltzman reveals what’s next for the key sensor site.

  • Jennifer Hlad
Threats

The D Brief: Israel bombs Qatar, Syria, Gaza; Caribbean buildup; Marines’ JLTV choice; Headset head-to-head; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson and Bradley Peniston
Policy

Space Command HQ will move to Alabama, Trump says

Colorado’s use of mail-in voting influenced his decision, he said.

  • Audrey Decker
Business

Space Force goes commercial for space domain awareness

Nearly 150 companies are vying for a spot in the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program, a top official says.

  • Lauren C. Williams
Policy

Trump aims to foster space industry by cutting environmental regulation

Experts expect the new executive order to benefit SpaceX, as well as its competitors.

  • Audrey Decker
Threats

The D Brief: Guard’s DC tasking; China’s reusable rockets; Golden Dome deets; Yemen seizes arms; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson and Bradley Peniston
Ideas

China is working on reusable rockets—and a strategic leap in space power

The U.S. is ahead, but China's ability to close the gap should not be underestimated.

  • Peter W. Singer and Alex Nova
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