Policy
Space Force’s First Battle Is With the US Army
The newest force is relying on Army and Navy transfers to grow. But giving up missions is not in the military’s DNA.
Science & Tech
Nobody Wants Rules in Space
As space becomes more crowded, there’s little hope for new international rules to make it safer.
Threats
Pentagon Has No Plans to Shoot Down Free-falling Chinese Rocket
Secretary Austin is monitoring the large rocket’s decaying orbit, but spokesman says it’s “too early” to develop options to intercept.
Ideas
America Can Beat China in Space with Safe Nuclear Propulsion
A reactor that heats up and expels non-radioactive gas promises unprecedented mobility in orbit.
Threats
State of Defense 2021
Our annual service-by-service look at where the U.S. military is, and where it's going.
Defense Systems
Space Command moves for tighter cyber integration
U.S. Space Command is standing up a dedicated joint cyber center to improve integration with U.S. Cyber Command.
Science & Tech
Former NGA Head to Join Satellite-Imagery Firm
An intelligence chief who embraced transparency says AI will shape the next chapter of imagery analysis.
Threats
Space Force to Absorb USAF Command to Run Launches, Research
The Space and Missile Systems Center will become Space Systems Command.
Ideas
Let’s Get Real About US Military ‘Dominance’
American strategists need to drop the assumption that the U.S. military will be the superior force in any given situation.
Ideas
Biden Should Shoot This Acquisition Down
Lockheed’s purchase of Aerojet Rocketdyne would strike a blow to competition and innovation.
Ideas
Approve Lockheed’s Purchase of Aerojet Rocketdyne
The deal would bolster the rocketmaker’s ability to serve aerospace and defense clients and shore up a shaky industrial base.
Ideas
Space Force Should Embrace the Natural Inclusivity of Space Nerds
It would make the nascent service better at many things, including recruiting.
Business
Space Firms Put Aside Rivalries to Share Threat Data
A new clearinghouse has begun gathering and distributing information about threats to space networks, products, and services.
Science & Tech
Pentagon Looks to Tap 5G in Space
“Any aspect of 5G applied to any aspect of space systems is of potential interest,” says a new request for information.
Ideas
Don’t Downgrade Space
Moves and hints portend a worrying shifting of priorities under the Biden administration.
Business