The US Space Force

[jsport]

Space Force turning to commercial sats to enhance in-space monitoring - Breaking Defense

"The next pivot for looking up is to look in outer space from outer space. There's no reason you only need to observe satellite maneuvers from the ground. You can do it from space," Maj. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, Space Force deputy chief of space operations for intelligence, said today.

breakingdefense.com

 

[jsport]

Space Development Agency’s global mesh network in space is moving forward, with speed - Breaking Defense

By focusing on delivering minimum viable products, the Space Development Agency is enabling a larger set of suppliers to rapidly field data transport and missile tracking systems.

breakingdefense.com

 

[jsport]

Space Force analyzing next-gen missile warning/tracking, NC3 options - Breaking Defense

Col. Robert Davis, program executive officer for SSC's Space Sensing Directorate, told the National Security Space Association today that the SWAC study might affect how follow-on satellites are designed and, perhaps, hardened to radiation.

breakingdefense.com

 

[jsport]

Space Force's Saltzman sees 'room' for space capabilities in AUKUS Pillar II - Breaking Defense

“We are at that stage of planning” around what we should include, Saltzman noted, adding that all three nations see a potential Pillar II space agreement “as a valuable tool.”

breakingdefense.com

 

[jsport]

How The Space Force Must Lead: Forget ‘The Valley Of Death’

Just 10 years ago, the Air Force paid $350 million per launch and $1 billion annually for infrastructure. Now, lower costs allow experts to rethink the industry's norms.

www.forbes.com

 

[Forest Green]

https://www.csis.org/events/weapons-space-virtual-book-talk-dr-aaron-bateman

Weapons in Space: A Virtual Book Talk with Dr. Aaron Bateman​

 

[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.”

Air Force greenlights baseline for new NRO-Space Force satellites to track ground targets - Breaking Defense

Calvelli's decision comes after a five-month delay necessary to hash out a reliable cost estimate for the NRO-Space Force development program.

breakingdefense.com

 

[jsport]

Marines searching for AI-enabled sensors to detect and track unmanned systems, other targets

The Marine Corps is eyeing a potential acquisition for its Observation and Sensing System (OSS) program.

defensescoop.com

 

[jsport]

CMSSF: As Space Force Moves Ahead with New Force Generation Model, ‘Unknowns’ Remain

The Space Force is moving ahead with personnel changes despite "unknowns," Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John F. Bentivegna said.

www.airandspaceforces.com

 

[jsport]

Missile Defense Agency eyes discriminating space sensor launch by 2029

The MDA director told Defense News the sensor is a key part of the agency's vision for a space-based missile-tracking layer.

www.defensenews.com

 

[jsport]

Maxar lofts WorldView Legion satellite duo for new dawn-to-dusk coverage - Breaking Defense

When completed, the six-satellite WorldView Legion constellation will "be able to revisit certain areas of the world up to 15 times a day," Susanne Hake, general manager of Maxar Intelligence, told Breaking Defense.

breakingdefense.com

 

[jsport]

Space Force asks industry to critique draft civil reserve framework, including 'incentives' - Breaking Defense

The request for information also asks industry to comment on the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve program's clauses allowing the Space Force to prohibit a participating firm from selling products/services to other customers during times of crisis and war.

breakingdefense.com

 

[Forest Green]

Northrop Grumman secures contract for second DARC installation

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 01, 2024 - The U.S. Space Force's (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) has awarded Northrop Grumman a contract to build the second of three planned Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) sites, marking a si

www.spacewar.com

USSPACECOM reflects on five years of Spacepower and future goals

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 01, 2024 - U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) marked its fifth anniversary on August 29 with a review of its achievements and strategic objectives for the future. Senior leaders gathered for a panel discussion du

www.spacewar.com

 

[Forest Green]

New USSF Officer Training Program Aims to Make ‘Guardians First, Specialists Second’

The Space Force's new 12-month, full-time curriculum called Officer Training Course (OTC) started Sept. 3 at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo.

www.airandspaceforces.com

 

[Forest Green]

Space Force vice wants sats to track aircraft by early 2030s - Breaking Defense

One of the key challenges for tracking enemy aircraft from space is that airplanes and drones move much faster than tanks, trucks and ships; confounded by the fact that satellites themselves also move around the Earth extremely fast.

breakingdefense.com

U.S. To Track Moving Air And Ground Targets Via Space By 2030, But Aircraft Will Still Play A Part

The U.S. Space Force has laid out plans for layered moving-target surveillance capabilities, not only in orbit. The U.S. Space Force has laid out plans for layered moving-target surveillance capabilities, not only in orbit.

www.twz.com

UK-US integration key to future of space security

RAF Lakenheath, UK (SPX) Sep 06, 2024 - U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr., commander of Space Operations Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Caleb Lloyd, SpOC senior enlisted leader, met with Airmen, Guardians and UK counterparts

www.spacewar.com

 

[Forest Green]

SATIM partners with Capella Space to enhance AI-driven object detection in SAR imagery

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 05, 2024 - Capella Space Corp., a prominent provider of high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, has announced that SATIM, a leader in automatic object detection and classification software, is

www.spacewar.com

NUVIEW taps Space Flight Laboratory for Pathfinder Satellite Bus for LiDAR constellation

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 05, 2024 - Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) has been selected by NUVIEW, a company focused on 3D Earth imaging technologies, to develop the satellite bus for Mr. SPoC, a pathfinder small satellite designed to dem

www.spacewar.com

 

[Grey Havoc]

Space Development Agency’s first satellites demo key capabilities

This week’s test involved two satellites, built by SpaceX, exchanging data via a laser-communication link.

www.defensenews.com

Production scaling woes delay next Space Development Agency launches

Delays are primarily linked to financial troubles among some vendors who have struggled to scale their production capacity.

www.defensenews.com

 

[Forest Green]

Commerce 'on track' for version 1.0 of space tracking system, using DoD data - Breaking Defense

In discussing the preliminary version of TraCSS, Richard DalBello, director of the Office of Space Commerce, revealed to Breaking Defense that he's stepping down at the end of the year.

breakingdefense.com

Link 16 Coverage From Space, Laser Communications Relays Make Major Advances

The Space Development Agency is seeing major promise during testing of new low-cost Link 16 datalink, laser communications, and missile tracking satellites. The Space Development Agency is busy testing the potential for datalinks, laser communications, and missile tracking via satellites.

www.twz.com

Lot full? In an increasingly crowded orbit, MITRE studies how many LEO sats are too many - Breaking Defense

The proposed framework is based on adapting the risk-based approach the international air traffic control system uses to manage airspace to prevent planes from colliding, said Kevin Toner, vice president of MITRE's Center for Government Effectiveness and Modernization.

breakingdefense.com

 

[Forest Green]

Military and industry experts discuss critical role of space in modern warfare

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 20, 2024 - Top leaders from the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Navy, along with industry experts, gathered to discuss the increasing importance of space operations in modern military strategy at the Air and Space F

www.spacewar.com

Astranis secures cxontract to add military Ka band to Omega satellites

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 20, 2024 - The U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC) and U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) have awarded Astranis a $13.2 million contract to enhance their Omega satellites with Military Ka frequency cap

www.spacewar.com

EXLUSIVE: Pentagon making 'significant push' for money to upgrade Satellite Control Network - Breaking Defense

The SCAR program is being seen as more urgent for keeping satellite communications flowing as top brass have begun to worry more about possible great power conflict with China and/or Russia, Space Rapid Capabilities Office Director Kelly Hammett told Breaking Defense.

breakingdefense.com

 

[Forest Green]

27 Great Unit Patches from AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference

Airmen and Guardians put their unit pride on display with patches at the AFA 2024 Air, Space and Cyber Conference at National Harbor, Md.

www.airandspaceforces.com

 

[Forest Green]

Space Command leader calls for better domain awareness tools by 2027

The ability to maneuver through and understand what’s happening in space will be crucial to future military operations, Gen. Whiting said this week.

www.defensenews.com

Space RCO taps 20 firms for software to control maneuvering sats - Breaking Defense

"I'm not criticizing ATLAS, but on the record, if it doesn't get there on time, I'm gonna find an alternative, because that's why I exist," Space RCO Director Kelly Hammett told Breaking Defense.

breakingdefense.com

Space Development Agency studying options for satellite tow services

Six firms will conduct feasibility assessments, considering the technical trades and engineering requirements for on-demand satellite de-orbit services.

www.defensenews.com

 

[Forest Green]

Space ISAC initiates Phase II planning to strengthen global space threat monitoring

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 26, 2024 - The Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC) has announced the commencement of Phase II planning for its Operational Watch Center, an initiative that aims to enhance the industry's

www.spacewar.com

RIT selected to receive $9.9 million for U.S. Space Force research

Rochester NY (SPX) Sep 27, 2024 - RIT has been selected to lead the United States Space Force University Consortium/Space Strategic Technology Institute 3 (SSTI) research regarding advanced space power and propulsion, which includes

www.spacewar.com

 

[Grey Havoc]

USSF Awards Contracts for New C2 Software to Manage Frequently Moving Satellites

The Space Rapid Capabilities Office has awarded orders to 20 small companies to work on software for managing dynamic satellite operations.

www.airandspaceforces.com

 

[Forest Green]

BlackSky wins 5-year $290M NGA contract for global economic and military monitoring

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 04, 2024 - BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) has been awarded a five-year, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), worth up to $290 million.

www.spacewar.com

Tactically Responsive Space Missions to Demo Maneuver in Orbit

The Space Force announced two new missions for its Tactically Responsive Space effort, focused on fast launches and maneuvering in orbit.

www.airandspaceforces.com

Space Platform set to STORM in-orbit data processing for satellite intelligence

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 04, 2024 - NOVI, a leader in space-edge technology, has introduced STORM (Space-edge Technology for Orbital Real-time Monitoring), a major advancement in satellite data processing. This new platform is designe

www.spacewar.com

Northrop Grumman completes Hybrid SATCOM test with commercial space internet

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 04, 2024 - Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has successfully carried out its first live demonstration of a hybrid satellite communications (SATCOM) system, achieving a seamless connection between Viasa

www.spacewar.com

 

[Forest Green]

Space Force to fly two rapid-response demonstration missions in 2026

The missions are slated for summer or fall of 2026 as part of the Space Force's tactically responsive space demonstration series.

www.defensenews.com

 

[Forest Green]

SDA Sets Timeline for Buying Nearly 200 More Satellites in 2025

The Space Development Agency (SDA) notified industry of its planned timeline for soliciting and procuring Tranche 3 satellites in 2025.

www.airandspaceforces.com

Parry Labs wins contract from US Space Force to modernize digital spaceports

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 11, 2024 - Parry Labs has secured a Direct to Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from the U.S. Space Force (USSF) as part of its Digital Spaceport of the Future challenge. This initi

www.spacewar.com

 

[Grey Havoc]

Why Space Force chose commercial firms to build its new ground system

The program says its use of commercial vendors and focus on real-time operational needs make it different from legacy acquisition approaches.

www.defensenews.com

Somehow I don't think this is going to work out the way they hope...

 

[Forest Green]

Space Development Agency awards major contract to Iridium and GDMS for Enhanced Ground System Integration

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 16, 2024 - Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM), a global leader in satellite communications, has announced that the Space Development Agency (SDA) awarded a $491.6 million contract modification to the p

www.spacewar.com

Intelsat and US Army Complete pilot program for Managed Satellite Communication Services

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 16, 2024 - Intelsat, a leader in global satellite and terrestrial network operations, recently concluded a managed satellite communications pilot program for the U.S. Army, marking the completion of the Army's

www.spacewar.com

Hydrosat Wins $1.9 Million Contract from US Air Force to Boost Thermal Imagery Capabilities

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 17, 2024 - Hydrosat, a climate tech firm specializing in thermal imagery for monitoring water stress in agriculture and mitigating climate change impacts, has secured a $1.9 million contract with the US Air Fo

www.spacewar.com

New DoD space policy directive clarifies Space Force, Space Command roles - Breaking Defense

The language in the new version of DoDD 3100.10 is notable for the specific reference to SPACECOM's responsibility for "offensive" as well as "defensive" operations worldwide — the word offensive is not included in the 2022 version.

breakingdefense.com

 

[Flyaway]

Cold War Space Art

Oct 15, 2024
More rare recovered slides from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum collection. These were used in executive strategic briefings during the Cold War!


Administered by the U.S. Space Force Historical Foundation, Inc., in support of the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum. Please visit the website at www.ccspacemuseum.org for more details!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US25Ew1EHSw

 

[Forest Green]

Space Force orders more missile-tracking satellites from Millennium

Millennium will deliver six more spacecraft for the service's Missile Track Custody program as part of the $386 million deal.

www.defensenews.com

Millennium Space Systems secures contract for additional Missile Track Custody satellites

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 24, 2024 - Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing [NYSE: BA] company, has been awarded an Other Transaction Agreement from the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command to supply an additional set of six Missile Trac

www.spacewar.com

Space Force grants Northrop Grumman $1.8B to build missile warning birds for polar orbit - Breaking Defense

The two Northrop Grumman satellites, which will take highly elliptical orbits over the Earth's poles, are expected to be launched in 2028.

breakingdefense.com

Capella Space selected for Space Development Agency's Proliferated LEO Hybrid Acquisition

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 24, 2024 - Capella Space Corp., a U.S.-based space technology company specializing in satellite and data solutions, has been chosen to participate in the Space Development Agency's (SDA) Hybrid Acquisition for

www.spacewar.com

New Space Force effort focused on 'closing C2 kill chains' - Breaking Defense

The new Space Systems Command effort is focused on establishing integrated C2 networks for four classified weapon systems chosen by the head of US Space Command Gen. Stephen Whiting.

breakingdefense.com

WASHINGTON — The Space Force’s primary acquisition command has established a new effort to build integrated command and control (C2) networks — that is, machine-to-machine capabilities to seamlessly feed data from multiple sensors through battle management systems that process data to “shooters” — focused on four high priority, classified weapon systems, according to senior officials.

Eutelsat America and OneWeb to provide Enhanced Satellite Services for US Govt

London, UK (SPX) Oct 24, 2024 - Eutelsat America Corp. and OneWeb Technologies Inc (EACOWT), a subsidiary of Eutelsat Group, have partnered with Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) to deliver Iridium Certus and Iridium Sate

www.spacewar.com

 

[Josh_TN]

Any guesses as to what the four systems are? The phrasing is so vague it is not even clear what the target set would be.

 

[Forest Green]

Any guesses as to what the four systems are? The phrasing is so vague it is not even clear what the target set would be.

Obviously not but they wouldn't be classified if I did, I've created a thread for further speculation here:

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/ussf-4-high-priority-classified-weapon-systems.44629/

It's an 'unknown known' as Rummy would say. For now I'm going with Phase 40MW Direct Impact Fusion Particle Beam Constellation though. Hope that helps.

 

[Forest Green]

Firefly Aerospace chosen as vendor for Space Development Agency HALO program

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 27, 2024 - Firefly Aerospace, a space transportation provider, has been selected as a vendor for the U.S. Department of Defense's Space Development Agency (SDA) Hybrid Acquisition for Proliferated LEO (HALO) p

www.spacewar.com

LeoStella and BlackSky join SDA's Proliferated Low-Earth Orbit initiative

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 25, 2024 - LeoStella has been chosen by the Space Development Agency (SDA) to contribute to the Hybrid Acquisition for Proliferated Low-Earth Orbit (HALO) program. This initiative opens doors for nontraditiona

www.spacewar.com

Space Systems Command releases Command Plan outlining organizational priorities

Washington DC (SPX) Oct 27, 2024 - Citing the growing criticality of effective, ready and reliable space capabilities in an era of Great Power Competition, Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, Space Systems Command commander, has authored and re

www.spacewar.com

Northrop Grumman advances airborne deep sensing and targeting for US Army

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 25, 2024 - Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) successfully demonstrated phase two of its Deep Sensing and Targeting (DSaT) system during the U.S. Army's Vanguard 24 experiment. The DSaT system enhances l

www.spacewar.com

 

[Forest Green]

US Space Force moves to make its systems battle-ready by 2026

The service has set a goal to ensure that four high-priority, classified systems are fully integrated into its C2 architecture.

www.defensenews.com

NovaWurks joins SDA's HALO Program to Support Proliferated LEO Missions

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 28, 2024 - NovaWurks has announced its selection by the Space Development Agency (SDA) for participation in the Hybrid Acquisition for Proliferated LEO (HALO) pool. Through this program, NovaWurks will collabo

www.spacewar.com

US Space Force sees surge in foreign military sales demand

Space Systems Command’s FMS division saw a 500% increase in requests between 2023 and 2024.

www.defensenews.com

 

[Flyaway]

While ULA studies Vulcan booster anomaly, it’s also investigating fairing issues

“We have integrated some corrective actions and additional inspections of the hardware.”…

arstechnica.com

 

[Forest Green]

US Space Force SSC opens proposals for 2024 Space Launch Contract Opportunity

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 31, 2024 - Space Systems Command (SSC) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 On-Ramp. This marks the first opportunity for new participants to en

www.spacewar.com

 

[Forest Green]

Impulse Space selected for HALO Program by Space Development Agency

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 05, 2024 - Impulse Space, a leader in in-space transportation solutions, has been chosen by the Space Development Agency (SDA) to join the initial Hybrid Acquisition for Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (HALO) ven

www.spacewar.com

 

[Forest Green]

Space Force Transitions ‘Mission Deltas‘ for SDA, Missile Warning

The Space Force has expanded its concept for Mission Deltas, units that combine operations, sustainment, cyber, and intelligence.

www.airandspaceforces.com

 

[Forest Green]

The US needs to get real about maneuver warfare in space - Breaking Defense

"It’s time for America to put real investments into space weapons capable of targeting earth-bound targets," writes Christopher Stone in this op-ed.

breakingdefense.com

To do this requires the development of space-to-ground weapons (SGWs), whose focus would be to make Chinese concentrations of terrestrial and space counter-intervention forces in the Western Pacific irrelevant by holding them at risk. Once deployed, SGWs would provide enhanced space deterrence during peacetime and crisis, and if necessary, destroy threats to US terrestrial forces by rolling back barriers to entry for our smaller air, land, and maritime forces.

The current technology at our disposal, coupled with less expensive lift, heavy lift, and soon to be super heavy lift rockets, means there are ways to get small constellations of SGWs deployed around Earth, capable of achieving five-minute target revisit rates with little defense to stop them. The Chinese have already demonstrated they are pursuing similar capability through their Fractional/Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS) system. Therefore, we should position our space forces into the front of the line to ensure decisiveness in such a conflict.

US Olympic Defender allies seek 'common' space picture - Breaking Defense

“It’s essential that the [Olympic Defender] allies and partners have a shared understanding of the battlespace, to ensure mission impacting decision-making is based on common perceptions of what’s occurring and likely to occur in the Area of Responsibility," said Royal Australian Air Force Group...

breakingdefense.com

 

[jsport]

How the Space Force Can Better Tell Its Story - War on the Rocks

In February, a tweet by Rep. Mike Turner created national news and panic around a possible new Russian on-orbit nuclear anti-satellite weapon. In the

warontherocks.com