U.S. Space Force

Victus Nox Mission Shows How Commercial Space Coming Of Age

By Jen DiMascio Sep 26, 2023
Advancements in commercial space tech helped the U.S. Space Force, Millennium Space Systems and Firefly Aerospace pull off the Victus Nox rapid launch demo.
Commercial Space

U.S. National Security Space Facing Key Challenges

By Guy Norris Sep 26, 2023
Lt. Gen. John Shaw, senior U.S. Space Force officer at Space Command, says challenges will grow as vehicles become more complex and operate further from Earth.
Space

SSC Awards Astroscale Contract For In-space Refueling Vehicle

By Garrett Reim Sep 20, 2023
Space Systems Command has awarded Astroscale U.S. a $25.5 million contract to deliver by 2026 a prototype spacecraft that can refuel other satellites in space.
Space

Air Force Secretary Kendall Outlines A New Strategy

By Brian Everstine Sep 20, 2023
Frank Kendall discusses with Aviation Week the need to “reoptimize” the Air Force to acquire, plan and train better for potential near-term conflict.
Budget, Policy & Operations

Firefly Nails Rapid Response Launch Demo For U.S. Space Force

By Irene Klotz Sep 15, 2023
The rocket lifted off at 10:28 p.m. EDT/7:28 p.m. local time on Sept. 14.
Space

U.S. Space Force Stands Up New Units Devoted To EW, GPS

By Jen DiMascio Sep 12, 2023
The U.S. Space Force is standing up two new units that will target challenges emerging to electronic warfare and positioning, navigation and timing.
Space

USAF Secretary Announces Review Of Overall Structure, Readiness

By Brian Everstine Sep 11, 2023
“The Air and Space Forces must change, or we’ll fail to prevent, or lose, a war,” U.S. Air Force SecretaryKendall says.
Budget, Policy & Operations

‘Protective Systems’ To Launch On SDA Missile Tracking Satellites

By Garrett Reim Sep 11, 2023
GEOST says its Starlite protective system will be integrated into the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tracking Layer Tranche 1 satellites.
Space

NRO ‘Watchdog’ Satellites Reach Geosynchronous Orbit

By Irene Klotz Sep 11, 2023
The program, known as Silent Barker, consists of at least two launches, each with multiple payloads.
Space

Space Debris Collision Highlights Danger Of Tiny Objects

By Garrett Reim Sep 06, 2023
Companies work to track millions of pieces of space junk and plan for their incineration.
Commercial Space

Firefly Poised To Test Launch-On-Demand Service For U.S. Space Force

By Irene Klotz Sep 01, 2023
On its third flight, Firefly will attempt to integrate a payload and launch a rocket within 24 hr.
Commercial Space

Firefly Poised To Test Launch-On-Demand Service For U.S. Space Force

By Garrett Reim Sep 01, 2023
On its third flight, Firefly will attempt to integrate a payload and launch a rocket within 24 hr.
Commercial Space

U.S. Space Force Phase 3 Launch Plan Pivot Flummoxes Incumbents

By Irene Klotz Aug 31, 2023
With three expected bidders and three planned awards, everyone wins at whatever the price.
Budget, Policy & Operations

Victus Nox Enters Hot Standby Phase

By Garrett Reim Aug 30, 2023
Space Systems Command’s Victus Nox rapid launch demonstration has entered its “hot standby phase.”
Space

Space Junk Hits ClearSpace’s Debris-Removal Target

By Garrett Reim Aug 23, 2023
ClearSpace says a leftover payload adapter floating in Earth’s orbit, that it planned to remove from space, has been hit by another piece of junk.
Space

Space RCO Seeks New Ways For Military Payloads To Hitch Ride

By Brian Everstine Aug 17, 2023
The Space Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) on Aug. 17 released a request for information.
Commercial Space

Aerospace Corp. DiskSat Heads To CDR, On Track For 2024 Launch

By Garrett Reim Aug 16, 2023
Aerospace Corp.’s experimental DiskSat satellite is headed to a critical design review this week, as the program remains on track for a 2024 launch.
Commercial Space

New Focus Needed On ‘Missile Defeat,’ U.S. Army Official Says

By Brian Everstine Aug 08, 2023
The Pentagon needs a new way to coordinate and advocate for “missile defeat,” the U.S. Army’s top missile defense official says.
Missile Defense & Weapons

U.S. Space Force Vet Dan Gallton Joins Aegis Aerospace

By Mark Carreau Aug 01, 2023
Gallton will also be in charge of establishing the firm’s Washington regional office.
Commercial Space

Biden Reverses Space Command Basing Decision, Opts For Colorado

By Jen DiMascio Jul 31, 2023
President Joe Biden is reversing ex-President Donald Trump’s decision to move U.S. Space Command headquarters to Alabama and will keep it in Colorado Springs.
Space

Impulse Space Plans LEO Express 2 And 3 Missions In 2024

By Garrett Reim Jul 31, 2023
Impulse Space plans two follow-on missions in 2024 after its inaugural LEO Express 1 mission before year’s end.
Commercial Space

USSF Looks For Three Companies That Can Launch Full Range Of Missions

By Irene Klotz Jul 28, 2023
Seven missions have been set aside for the third-place winner.
Budget, Policy & Operations

First Take, July 31, 2023

By Graham Warwick Jul 28, 2023
Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.
Aviation Week & Space Technology

Podcast: How The Small Satellite Market Continues To Take Off

By Garrett Reim Jul 27, 2023
Editors discuss the meaning of exponential smallsat growth, new technologies for flying satellites in formation and U.S. national security space needs.
Check 6

Podcast: How The Small Satellite Market Continues To Take Off

By Irene Klotz Jul 27, 2023
Editors discuss the meaning of exponential smallsat growth, new technologies for flying satellites in formation and U.S. national security space needs.
Check 6