Policy

Space Force Troops Get a Name: ‘Guardians’

VP Pence revealed the moniker for Trump’s oft-teased newest military service branch to stand alongside soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines.

Exclusive Policy

Trump Admin to Rename Two Bases for Space Force Over Military Objections

The Air Force had quietly agreed with Congress not to change anything until the NDAA settles a way forward on Confederate base names.

Threats

Firms Picked to Make Orbiting Sensors for Next-Gen US Missile-Defense System

The sensors and satellites will be part of the Tracking Layer component of the next-gen missile-defense system.

Science & Tech

Boots on The Moon Are Going to Have to Wait, Space Force General Says

NASA’s astronaut program is the quickest way to space for military personnel. 

Science & Tech

Fearing Satellite Hacks and Hijacks, White House Issues Space-Security Directive to Industry

Manufacturers need to build in better defenses and even ways to regain control of hijacked spacecraft, directive says.

Exclusive Business

CIA’s In-Q-Tel Among Backers of German Satellite-Thruster Startup

Morpheus Space’s small and simple electric thrusters could upend the satellite industry.

Science & Tech

Russia Tests a Satellite That Rams Other Satellites, US Says

It’s the latest Russian weapon being developed to attack American spacecraft, Space Force leader says.

Ideas

US Air Force, Space Force: Here Is Your New Arctic Strategy

America’s most active services in the region have a four-part plan to support the National Defense Strategy.

Science & Tech

New Space Strategy Is Heavy on ‘Winning,’ Light on Details

The first major update in nine years set out more forceful goals, but leaves gaps.

Science & Tech

Air Force Leaders Fret As Another Satellite Maker Declares Bankruptcy

Service leaders are asking for Congressional help in shoring up the defense industrial base.

Threats

Coronavirus Not Slowing Russian, Chinese Space Activities, US General Says

Meanwhile, the U.S. has delayed several launches amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Science & Tech

The Air Force’s Secret Space Plane Is Part of A Plan to One Day Shoot Microwaves to Earth

The experiment would be part of a long history of testing microwaves for power transmission.

Policy

Pentagon Delays Budget Deadline to Help Staff Work from Home

Service officials had complained that a June 1 deadline was preventing them from implementing coronavirus-related social-distancing guidelines.

Science & Tech

New Satellites Will Be a Big Step in the Pentagon’s Plan to Link Everything

A new “transport layer” constellation will help distribute tactical data — but won’t have defenses against anti-satellite weapons.

Business

Lockheed Adds 1,000 Employees Amid Coronavirus Crisis, Wants to Hire 5,000 More

The defense giant also said it would give bonuses to employees who can’t work from home.

Science & Tech

If Space Startups Fail, the Pentagon’s Going to Need Some New Plans

The coronavirus is threatening young space companies — and the military’s plans to rely on them.

Threats

Ep. 63: War in space

What might orbital war look like? How might it start, and how could it proceed?

Defense Systems

Air Force wants $150 million for Space Force software pilot in 2021

The Air Force is staying on brand with its 2021 budget request for $150 million for a software and digital technology pilot program for the new Space Force.

Ideas

Top 5 Things to Watch in Congress' 2021 Defense Budget Hearings

On Wednesday, military and civilian leaders of the Defense Department will testify before Congress on their $705 billion budget request for 2021.