The US Space Force

[TomS]

USA-193 was in an elliptical orbit with an apogee of 2,700km for instance.

No, it wasn't. As I pointed out, UAS-193 was in a nearly circular and low orbit around 350 km from the outset. The 2700 km apogee figure for Burnt Frost is the max alt that some debris was lofted to after the impact.

 

[jsport]

EXCLUSIVE: GMTI emerges as new front in Space Force-NGA turf battle - Breaking Defense

NGA chief Frank Whitworth defended his agency’s role in Ground Moving Target Indicator operations to Breaking Defense, as sources say there’s tension behind the scenes.

breakingdefense.com

Space Force officials have characterized their responsibilities for the GMTI satellites — and, eventually, other moving target indicator satellites (MTI) designed to track airborne targets — as simply an extension to the heavens of the Air Force’s US Code Title 10 role in JSTARS. Title 10 governs military roles and missions, whereas Title 50 governs those of intelligence agencies. That said, there long has been a gray zone between the two.

“JSTARS was the air model, providing situational awareness to the combatant commanders from the air. What we’re doing is taking that air vision and elevating it into space, so it is no different,” Gen. Michael Guetlein, Space Force vice chief, told the annual McAleese Defense Conference on March 7. “From a Title 10 perspective, we have the exact same responsibilities to provide situational awareness to the battle commander on tactically relevant timelines.”

 

[Josh_TN]

Regarding Sierra Ghost, from the article abovw:

What payload could possibly justify that kind of cost?

 

[Forest Green]

No, it wasn't. As I pointed out, UAS-193 was in a nearly circular and low orbit around 350 km from the outset. The 2700 km apogee figure for Burnt Frost is the max alt that some debris was lofted to after the impact.

It doesn't make sense to quote the altitude the debris reached, but yeah, I see that's what the stupid report is doing alright. I interpreted that as an elliptical orbit. Nevertheless, the point still holds. Some recon satellites are on elliptical orbits and even dip below 100km*, most on geocentric orbits would orbit very low like USA-193.

*https://pubs.aip.org/physicstoday/a...re-does-outer-space-begin-As-suborbital-space

SM-3 IIA however has the potential to reach almost any LEO orbit and 24 of them have been produced every year since introduction.

 

[Josh_TN]

I cannot think of a single satellite that I remember having a perigee below 300km. Can you provide an example?

 

[Forest Green]

I cannot think of a single satellite that I remember having a perigee below 300km. Can you provide an example?

Well, we're going off on a strawman here really, because 250km is not the maximum intercept altitude of any variant of SM-3, IA, IB or IIA, nor was it the intended altitude of USA-193, which was circa 350km, still well inside any SM-3 variant's intercept ceiling. But anyway:

KH-9 Hexagon - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

KH-11 KENNEN - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

The edge of space: Revisiting the Karman Line

In this paper I revisit proposed definitions of the boundary between the Earth's atmosphere and outer space, considering orbital and suborbital trajec…

www.sciencedirect.com

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/low-earth-orbi

Japan's Tsubame records lowest ever satellite altitude | SpaceTech Asia

Tsubame, an Earth Observation satellite developed by Japan’s space agency JAXA, has been registered by the Guinness World Records as having achieved the “lowest altitude by an Earth observation satellite in orbit,” for an altitude of 167.4 km. The 383kg satellite was decommissioned on Oct 1...

www.spacetechasia.com

 

[Forest Green]

Spy agency eyes May launch of first proliferated constellation

The launch is one of six planned for this year to support the NRO's push to increase the number of satellites it has in orbit.

www.defensenews.com

Ansys Partners with BAE Systems to Enhance Digital Engineering in Defense Sector

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 10, 2024 - Ansys (NASDAQ: ANSS) today revealed its collaboration with BAE Systems, Inc., aimed at enhancing digital engineering and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) across the Department of Defense (DoD)

www.spacewar.com

SkyFi and Enabled Intelligence unite to advance geospatial intelligence with AI-driven satellite imagery

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 10, 2024 - Enabled Intelligence, known for scalable and secure AI data solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with SkyFi, a leader in Earth observation imagery and analytics. This alliance aims to en

www.spacewar.com

Space Force lays out commercial partnerships plan to speed procurement

The long-awaited document provides a broad look at the service’s vision for a more integrated space architecture, but is light on funding details.

www.defensenews.com

 

[Forest Green]

Rocket Lab secures Space Force contract for STP-S30 launch

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 09, 2024 - Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has been awarded a $14.49 million task order by the U.S. Space Force (USSF) to launch an Electron mission from Launch Complex 2. The mission, called Space Test Pr

www.spacewar.com

Delta IV Heavy Completes Its Final Mission with NROL-70 Launch by US Space Force and ULA

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 10, 2024 - The US Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC), together with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and United Launch Alliance (ULA), has successfully launched the NROL-70 mission. This launch,

www.spacewar.com

Space Force picks satellite providers for rapid delivery mission

The Victus Haze responsive space mission is slated to launch in 2025 with a focus on real-time threat response.

www.defensenews.com

Space Force launches weather satellite to replace 1960s-era spacecraft

The launch is a first step toward modernizing the Space Force’s more than 60-year-old weather constellation, the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program.

www.defensenews.com

 

[Forest Green]

Rocket Lab awarded SSC contract to develop spacecraft for TacRS mission

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 12, 2024 - Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has reported its selection for a $32M contract from the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) to execute the VICTUS HAZE Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS

www.spacewar.com

Space Systems Command launches next-gen WSF-M weather satellite with SpaceX

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 11, 2024 - Today, at 7:25 a.m. PDT, the Space Systems Command (SSC) in collaboration with its mission partners, achieved the successful launch of the USSF-62 Weather System Follow-on - Microwave (WSF-M) satell

www.spacewar.com

 

[Forest Green]

Space Development Agency satellites poised to track first missile test

Tranche 0 tracking satellites have been collecting and transmitting, but their position has yet to align with the timing of a missile launch.

www.defensenews.com

 

[TomcatViP]

Atmospheric Drop test of Ghost system by Sierra (really basic but notice the offset CG + rudder control strategy and the volume of payload returned from orbit) :

View: https://youtu.be/3RKiGL_ul58?si=-K44Q7c4Y7j4zAXg

CEP noted as 100m

 

[TomcatViP]

Here is a suggested example of payload for CSAR insertion/extraction :

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/a1wDG_kxhF8?si=AshyWAGSQ3LstqkC

 

[Forest Green]

Space defense investments set to soar with projected 160% growth in satellite launches

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 16, 2024 - In a significant industry forecast, Novaspace, a union of Euroconsult and SpaceTec Partners, predicts a 160% increase in global defense and dual-use satellite launches over the next decade. The firm

www.spacewar.com

 

[Forest Green]

Lack of standards slows allied tech-sharing, Space Force official says

While the issue is often raised by commercial firms, the official told the Defense Innovation Board it is also a challenge for international allies.

www.defensenews.com

NASA chief warns of Chinese military presence in space

Washington (AFP) April 17, 2024 - China is bolstering its space capabilities and is using its civilian program to mask its military objectives, the head of the US space agency NASA said Wednesday, warning that Washington must remain vigilant.

www.spacewar.com

How the Space Force is making its systems more resilient

A little-known board has been working over the last year to identify resiliency measures and ensure the systems the Space Force buys meet those standards.

www.defensenews.com

 

[Forest Green]

Exclusive: Northrop Grumman working with Musk's SpaceX on U.S. spy satellite system

Aerospace and defense company Northrop Grumman is working with SpaceX, the space venture of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, on a classified spy satellite project already capturing high-resolution imagery of the Earth, according to people familiar with the program. The program, details of...

finance.yahoo.com

 

[Forest Green]

Space Operations Command takes control of Space-Based Infrared System

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 19, 2024 - The United States Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC) has successfully transitioned the control of the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Baseline Release (SBR 23-1) to the Space Operations C

www.spacewar.com

 

[Josh_TN]

Fair disclosure: working on an article I will submit to publications, so if you do not want to give up sources and means, no need to respond.

The questions are broadly concerning satellite EW possibilities.

Are modern UHF satellites AESA based at this point? For instance, what does something like Starlink use? As such, presumably they have some frequency agility? If so, could a communications satellite in LEO potentially be used to jam a particular receiver on the surface? Alternatively, could a purpose built satellite achieve this if a communications satellite could not? Would a satellite with a passive array facing away from earth and an active array facing down be able to detect a downlink and project a jamming signal on a reciprocal bearing in realtime like an aircraft’s RF digital memory jammer?

L band question; do satellite navigation signals have any overlap or near overlap with Link 16 bandwidth?

 

[Forest Green]

Interconnected quantum system boosts long-distance secure communication

London, UK (SPX) Apr 22, 2024 - Quantum networking, pivotal for distributed computing and secure communication, relies on the seamless sharing of quantum information. However, the transmission of quantum data over extended distanc

www.spacewar.com

Kratos and SES showcase new virtualized SATCOM system for US Army

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 22, 2024 - Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS) and SES have successfully conducted a demonstration of a fully virtualized satellite communications (SATCOM) ground system for the U.S. Arm

www.spacewar.com

 

[Forest Green]

Reimagining enlisted education: Space Force launches Vosler Fellowships

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 24, 2024 - The U.S. Space Force has revamped its enlisted professional military education (EPME) to better suit the specific needs of its enlisted personnel, known as Guardians. A key milestone was celeb

www.spacewar.com

US Space Force renews partnership with L3Harris for space domain awareness

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 24, 2024 - L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has secured the fifth-year option of the Maintenance Of Space Situational Awareness Integrated Capabilities (MOSSAIC) program. This contract, valued at up to $187 mi

www.spacewar.com

 

[Forest Green]

Space Force EW unit working to integrate new weapon systems, intel personnel - Breaking Defense

The Space Force's Delta 3 is responsible for organizing, training and equipping Guardians for electronic warfare missions involving satellite communications, as well as sustaining related offensive and defensive EW systems.

breakingdefense.com

 

[Forest Green]

Millennium Space Systems is delivering on critical missile tracking constellation - Breaking Defense

With programs like MTC, Millennium Space Systems is redefining what it means to be an operational prime – rapidly delivering operational small sat constellations on rapid timelines.

breakingdefense.com

 

[Forest Green]

Major advancements in US space domain awareness through Space Systems Command

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 26, 2024 - Space Systems Command (SSC) has made significant strides in space domain awareness (SDA) with its Tools Applications and Processing (TAP) Lab, recently achieving mission success in collaboration wit

www.spacewar.com

Enhancing connectivity and readiness at Space Systems Command

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 26, 2024 - At a well-attended event on April 18, 2024, at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant emphasized the unity and purpose binding the personnel of Space Systems Command (SSC). He addressed

www.spacewar.com

Space Systems Command Completes Key Software Upgrade for OPIR Monitoring at FORGE

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 26, 2024 - On April 26, 2024, Space Systems Command's Space Sensing program executive office, based at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California, facilitated the initial software deployment to opera

www.spacewar.com

 

[Forest Green]

Millennium wins ‘FOO Fighter’ contract for SDA missile tracking

The eight FOO Fighter satellites will demonstrate fire control capabilities for future Space Development Agency tranches.

www.defensenews.com

US Space Force NGP program achieves critical design review milestone

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 01, 2024 - The Space Systems Command (SSC) of the US Space Force has successfully completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Polar (NGP) Space Vehicl

www.spacewar.com

Millennium Space Systems secures $414 million contract from Space Development Agency

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 01, 2024 - Millennium Space Systems, a subsidiary of Boeing [NYSE: BA], has been awarded a contract potentially worth $414 million by the Space Development Agency. The contract involves the delivery of the Fir

www.spacewar.com

 

[Forest Green]

Umbra progresses to next phase in DARPA radar tech program

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 02, 2024 - Umbra, a company specializing in space technology, has advanced to Phase II of the Distributed Radar Image Formation Technology (DRIFT) program, managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Age

www.spacewar.com

The DRIFT program utilizes multiple Umbra Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, which operate in formation to enable the creation of advanced processing algorithms. These developments in coordinated flying and data collection reflect Umbra's expertise in remote sensing and its dedication to advancing technological boundaries in space systems.

The next phase involves an extensive collection campaign over several months, where Umbra's SAR satellites will collect bistatic and multistatic data sets for further evaluation by DARPA and associated contractors. The phase is set to culminate with an in-space demonstration of the multistatic capabilities developed by Umbra.

Jason Mallare, Vice President of Global Solutions at Umbra, shared his enthusiasm, saying, "We're grateful to contribute to DARPA's vision, leveraging top-tier U.S. capabilities for asymmetric advantage. Umbra's differentiated technology and relentless focus on tech evolution drive us forward. We're excited about the future this technology and similar capabilities hold for Umbra and the nation."

Recently, Umbra showcased bistatic imagery obtained from its tandem satellites. With six satellites currently deployed and plans for a total of 32 in strategic pairs, Umbra's SAR satellites provide indispensable day/night, all-weather monitoring capabilities. These satellites offer high-quality SAR data crucial for the U.S. Government, its allies, and commercial entities, providing them with actionable insights regardless of weather conditions.

 

[Forest Green]

RTX launches space-based missile detection system

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 07, 2024 - Raytheon, a business of RTX (NYSE: RTX), has launched an advanced ground system, now operational at the U.S. Space Force's Overhead Persistent Infrared Battlespace Awareness Center (OBAC). The

www.spacewar.com

Rocket Lab Advances SDA Satellite Program with New Subcontractor Partnerships

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 07, 2024 - Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) announced it has finalized the selection of subcontractors that will supply payloads and ground systems for the 18 satellites the company is constructing for the

www.spacewar.com

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency creating space intel hub

While the Joint Mission Management Center is still in the concept phase, NGA is working quickly to get it up and running.

www.defensenews.com

CesiumAstro provides multi-beam Ka-band payloads for Rocket Lab under Tranche 2 contract

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 08, 2024 - CesiumAstro, known for its advanced phased array communications technology for space and airborne systems, announced its selection by Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) to supply its Vireo active electronica

www.spacewar.com

NRO should concentrate on bigger, badder 'tripwire' ISR birds, new report urges - Breaking Defense

Meanwhile, the report says, the Space Force should be in charge of pursuing large networks of small satellites under the Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) — differentiating its "tactical ISR" job from the "strategic" mission of NRO.

breakingdefense.com

Torch.AI Introduces Firefly Earth Observation Capability for Enhanced National Security

Kansas City KS (SPX) May 09, 2024 - Torch.AI has unveiled its latest development, the Firefly Earth Observation (EO) capability, now integrated within its existing satellite network as part of the HALO Autonomous Fusion platform. This

www.spacewar.com

 

[Forest Green]

Capella Space automates vessel classification in satellite imagery

“There might be a lot of different locations you’d be monitoring that you’re not really interested in — until a warship shows up.”

www.defensenews.com

Terran Orbital Chosen by Lockheed Martin for SDA Satellite Buses Contract

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 14, 2024 - Terran Orbital has been selected by Lockheed Martin to produce 18 satellite buses for the Space Development Agency's (SDA) Tranche 2 (T2) Tracking Layer contract. Lockheed Martin will supply the SDA

www.spacewar.com

Space Force should consider alternative launch sites, lawmakers say

The House Armed Services Committee's fiscal 2025 defense policy bill highlights capacity concerns at DOD's Eastern and Western launch ranges.

www.defensenews.com

 

[jsport]

Make The Right Decision: Consolidate Space Units into a Single Component

Retired Space Force Col. Charles Galbreath argues that the Space Force should take over Air National Guard units with space missions.

www.airandspaceforces.com

 

[jsport]

NGA director pushes back at criticisms of agency, touts 'wetware,' tradecraft (EXCLUSIVE) - Breaking Defense

In an exclusive sit down with Breaking Defense, Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth defended his agency's role in moving commercial and government satellite data to the field in a timely manner.

breakingdefense.com

 

[jsport]

Hundreds of satellites to give military faster tactical comms and data

The program will add more satellites and capabilities every two years.

www.marinecorpstimes.com

 

[jsport]

Stingy intel-sharing a ‘recipe for losing,’ Space Force’s Miller says

"The United States does not go into conflict alone," Lt. Gen. David Miller said at the GEOINT conference. "Check your history. It does not happen."

www.defensenews.com

 

[jsport]

Air Force’s legislative proposal is an existential threat to the National Guard - Breaking Defense

In this op-ed, Francis M. McGinn, the head of the National Guard Association, blasts an Air Force proposal to transfer National Guard units performing space missions to the Space Force.

breakingdefense.com

 

[jsport]

Task Force Lima preps new space for generative AI experimentation

The commander of Task Force Lima provided DefenseScoop with an exclusive preview of his team's plans to unleash an experimental sandbox for generative AI.

defensescoop.com

 

[jsport]

Kill the zombie Space National Guard idea

Guardsmen in space-related jobs belong in the Space Force.

www.defenseone.com

 

[Forest Green]

Unleash the Space Force

Opinion: Numbers outlining China's military space prowess are understandably alarming, but they don’t tell the whole story, Todd Harrison argues in an op-ed.

www.defensenews.com

Space Force to demonstrate satellite maneuvering in 2026 mission

Space Systems Command and SpaceWERX awarded Washington-based Starfish Space $37.5 million to build and operate a satellite for the mission.

www.defensenews.com

Space Systems Command, in partnership with SpaceWERX — Air Force Research Lab’s space innovation arm — awarded Washington-based Starfish Space $37.5 million for the effort. The company builds and operates a line of satellites, dubbed Otter, that can service other spacecraft. Depending on a customer’s needs, Otter can dispose of defunct satellites or provide additional propulsion or thrust to enhance its mission.

Under the SSC contract, Starfish will dock one of its Otter vehicles with Space Force satellites to perform a range of functions — from extending their service life to moving them to a new orbit. The service hasn’t identified which satellites Otter will support.

“The Otter spacecraft will be capable of performing autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD), compatible with a wide range of clients, including those that were never designed or configured for docking,” SSC said in a May 20 statement. “This capability gives the U.S. Space Force a range of options to support existing assets and allow future assets to be supported without imposing additional configuration requirements.”

HySpex chosen to supply hyperspectral camera for space mission

London, UK (SPX) May 21, 2024 - HySpex by NEO, a provider of hyperspectral imaging solutions, has been selected by a private company to supply a hyperspectral camera for an upcoming in-orbit servicing mission. HySpex will deliver

www.spacewar.com

UCF develops algorithms for space and sea exploration

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 21, 2024 - Cislunar space, extending from the Earth to just beyond the moon's orbit, is poised for increased activity in the next decade. NASA's Artemis missions and international participation in the cislunar

www.spacewar.com

 

[Forest Green]

Space Force to hold annual Tactically Responsive Space demos

The Space Force aims to have an operational capability by 2026, but will maintain an annual demonstration cadence, according to Lt. Gen. Phillip Garrant.

www.defensenews.com

 

[Forest Green]

Preligens secures AI analytics contract with new APAC customer

Paris, France (SPX) May 23, 2024 - Preligens, a leader in Geospatial Artificial Intelligence for Aerospace, Defense, and Government, has secured a contract to provide AI analytics software for high volumes of government satellite ima

www.spacewar.com

National Reconnaissance Office launches proliferated constellation

The launch is the first of six planned for this year and is part of a broader NRO effort to extend its satellite architecture across multiple orbits.

www.defensenews.com

Space Officials Outline Key Investments Needed to Ensure U.S. Maintains Edge

Washington DC (SPX) May 23, 2024 - In testimony before a Senate Armed Services subcommittee, John D. Hill, deputy assistant secretary of defense for space and missile defense, outlined key investments in DOD's budget request for fisc

www.spacewar.com

 

[Grey Havoc]

SDA to develop separate ground system for FOO Fighter 'fire control' sats - Breaking Defense

SDA Director Derek Tournear said he expects the new FOO Fighter ground segment to be up and running in December 2026, before the first satellites are launched.

breakingdefense.com

 

[Grey Havoc]

Space Force to restructure all missions into 'integrated' units to boost readiness: Lt. Gen. Garrant - Breaking Defense

"In the next few months, you can look for missile warning and space domain awareness as two mission areas [to be restructured], and then in the future satellite communications, for example, and then orbital warfare," Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, head of Space Systems Command, told the Mitchell...

breakingdefense.com

 

[Forest Green]

Defense Innovation Unit awards funding for sea-based launch pad

The award is part of a DIU effort to prototype commercial solutions that support responsive and precise space launch capabilities.

www.defensenews.com

 

[Forest Green]

Space Force eyes advanced tech, new orbits for narrowband SATCOM

The service may launch a "transitional" capability to MEO by 2031 if those satellites can work with existing terminals without needing major modifications.

www.defensenews.com