EXCLUSIVE-Space-Force, IC warily approach agreement on commercial intel imagery buys

GEOINT 2023 — The Space Force and the Intelligence Community are slowly honing in on a multi-faceted agreement about their respective roles in buying intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data from commercial satellite operators, according to officials from both sides, centering on how new contracting arrangements could foster sharing and avoid duplication. While nothing official has... Read more about EXCLUSIVE-Space-Force, IC warily approach agreement on commercial intel imagery buys

Space Force wraps initial plan for building "hybrid" commercial/military 'outernet"

WASHINGTON — The Space Force’s forward planning unit has completed a “force design” that lays out the parameters of a new hybrid military/commercial internet in space, known as the “outernet,” designed to link all of the service’s mission-specific networks together — and acquisition planners are now working on transferring that plan into a reality, a senior service official said today. The Space... Read more about Space Force wraps initial plan for building "hybrid" commercial/military 'outernet"

Spacecom to reach full operational capability by end of year, commander says

The U.S. military's newest combatant command reached initial operational capability in August 2021 and has been working towards FOC. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — U.S. Space Command is on track to reach full operational capability before the end of 2023, its commander announced Tuesday. Having been reestablished in August 2019, Spacecom is the Defense Department’s newest combatant command and is... Read more about Spacecom to reach full operational capability by end of year, commander says

US Air Force, Navy conduct ICBM test aboard nuclear command aircraft

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air Force and Navy on Wednesday morning conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile in California using an airborne control center. The weapon, which contained a test reentry vehicle, was controlled from an Airborne Launch Control System in a Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft, the Air Force said in a statement. Airmen from the 625th... Read more about US Air Force, Navy conduct ICBM test aboard nuclear command aircraft

Space Development Agency Successfully Launches Tranche 0 Satellites

The Space Development Agency (SDA) today announced the successful initial launch of Tranche 0 (T0) of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), the Transport and Tracking Layer satellites that will demonstrate the low-latency communication links to support the warfighter with a resilient network of integrated capabilities, including tracking of advanced missile threats, from low-Earth... Read more about Space Development Agency Successfully Launches Tranche 0 Satellites

Air Force CROWS wants to expand cyber defenses within Space Force

WASHINGTON — A U.S. Air Force office focused on making sure aircraft and weapon systems are hardened against cyber intrusions wants to expand its reach within the Space Force. The Cyber Resiliency Office for Weapon Systems, also known as CROWS, works with acquisition and testing teams to make sure old and new platforms are protected against cyber threats. The organization established Cyber Focus... Read more about Air Force CROWS wants to expand cyber defenses within Space Force

In a $3 billion bet, Space Force envisions tactical anti-jam SATCOM keeping enemy EW at bay

WASHINGTON — The Space Force is planning to spend slightly more than $3 billion between fiscal 2024 and 2028 for its multi-pronged effort to develop new jam-resistant satellite communications (SATCOM) systems to ensure warfighters on the battlefield can stay securely connected in the face of ever-improving adversary electronic warfare systems. The funds, as shown in the service’s newly published... Read more about In a $3 billion bet, Space Force envisions tactical anti-jam SATCOM keeping enemy EW at bay

DAF leaders stress importance of transformation, partnerships, and on-time appropriations

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of the Air Force’s top civilian and military leaders spoke with defense experts and industry partners during the 14th Annual McAleese Defense Programs Conference March 15. Attendees heard Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman speak on a range of topics, including... Read more about DAF leaders stress importance of transformation, partnerships, and on-time appropriations

Space Force’s $30 billion budget request focuses on development

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force’s $30 billion budget request for fiscal 2024 is 13% higher than what Congress enacted last year and calls for continued growth in its missile tracking, launch and satellite communications missions, according to budget documents. “The funding is a critical step to combat emerging space threats and to meet our pacing challenge,” the service said in the overview... Read more about Space Force’s $30 billion budget request focuses on development

US Space Force takes a bite out of science fiction with robot guard dogs

'You probably don't want a machine that kills on its own... but it's capable of it' It’s a case of life almost imitating art, or at least imitating science fiction movies. The US Space Force is testing robot dogs to patrol the Cape Canaveral launch pads in Florida, the United States. They will be used for “patrol and damage assessment,” the Space Force said. Read more about US Space Force takes a bite out of science fiction with robot guard dogs