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

Why the Air Force wants 1,000 new combat drones

The Air Force is asking Congress for 1,000 new combat drones to accompany planes into battle. The announcement, from Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, came March 7, as part of a broader push for Air Force modernization. It fits into a broader plan to combine crewed fighters, like F-35s and new designs, with drone escorts, thus expanding the scope of what the Air Force can do without similarly... Read more about Why the Air Force wants 1,000 new combat drones

Commander’s Accelerated Initiatives team maintains ‘pulse’ on change across AFMC

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- CDX logo PHOTO DETAILS / DOWNLOAD HI-RESWith a mission to help improve, innovate and integrate, the Air Force Materiel Command Commander’s Accelerated Initiatives Office, or CDX, continues to make a positive impact as it keeps a ‘pulse’ on change across the enterprise and connects Airmen to strategy. Born out of the 2019 AFMC We Need initiative, CDX... Read more about Commander’s Accelerated Initiatives team maintains ‘pulse’ on change across AFMC

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

DoD releases updated guidance on ‘responsible behaviors in space’

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Defense Department on March 3 released updated guidelines for safe and responsible space operations. These guidelines were issued Feb. 9 by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a memo that lays out five “tenets of responsible behavior in space.” Austin first released the tenets in July 2021. The update reflects recommendations from U.S. Space Command and includes specific... Read more about DoD releases updated guidance on ‘responsible behaviors in space’

Raytheon to make seven missile-tracking satellites for US space agency

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Development Agency has awarded Raytheon Technologies a $250 million contract to build seven missile-tracking satellites. The satellites, which will feature a wide-field-of-view sensor that can detect and track hypersonic weapons from space, were paid for by a funding increase in the fiscal 2023 Appropriations Act and will launch as part of the agency’s Tranche 1... Read more about Raytheon to make seven missile-tracking satellites for US space agency

America Makes announces AM Cross Platform Consistency project call

America Makes, Youngstown, Ohio, USA, has announced a new directed project call focusing on Methods for Additive Manufacturing Cross-Platform Consistency (AM-CPC), with a $250,000 funding opportunity provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). One winner is anticipated. The AM-CPC project call is focused on advancing measurement science research for the reproducibility... Read more about America Makes announces AM Cross Platform Consistency project call

Space Force launch plan mirrors shift to smaller satellites

ORLANDO — The U.S. Space Force’s acquisition plan for its next phase of National Security Space Launch contracts reflects a shift toward launching more small satellites in a more diverse range of orbits. The service announced its approach for what it calls NSSL Phase 3 on Feb. 16, issuing a draft solicitation to allow launch companies to provide feedback before a formal call for proposals this... Read more about Space Force launch plan mirrors shift to smaller satellites