How Trump’s Air Force pick could elevate space priorities
Troy Meink's specialization in space could upend the priorities of a service typically dominated by Air Force interests.
Air Warfare
Trump picks intel community official as next Air Force secretary
If confirmed, Troy Meink would inherit key decisions about the Air Force's fighter force and how to right-size the Space Force as it takes on new missions.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket debuts
New Glenn lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida just after 2 a.m., carrying a payload for the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit.
Italy eyes Musk’s Starlink for secret government communications
Handing control of Italy’s military satellite communications to the U.S. tech tycoon has prompted sharp criticism in Italy from opposition politicians.
Space Development Agency validates high-speed satellite comm links
During a demo, York Space Systems and SpaceX connected two of their satellites via a laser communication link, proving a key technology for SDA.
Money, Musk and mission creep: How Trump could shape DOD’s space drift
The path to a larger Space Force budget isn’t clear — even as Trump, who oversaw the creation of the service, prepares to take office in the coming weeks.
Space Operations Command preps for new shared domain awareness tool
The remaining ATLAS software is slated for delivery in the first quarter of 2025.
New US Space Force jammers aim to disrupt China’s SATCOM signals
The Remote Modular Terminals, which disrupt adversary satellites by "yelling in their ear," as one official put it, are cleared for initial fielding,
Space Force must grow to counter China and Russia, lawmaker says
House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said the service is not sized to meet increasing threats from China and Russia.
SpaceX launches rapid response GPS mission
The effort, dubbed Rapid Response Trailblazer, was meant to demonstrate the ability to quickly plan and launch a mission in around six months.
Space Command strategy aims to boost commercial role in operations
The updated strategy, approved in November, focuses on SPACECOM’s core tasks and how commercial space capabilities fit within those areas.
ULA eyes annual mods to turn rocket stage into space interceptor
The fast-moving vehicle would be highly maneuverable and could be used to tow satellites or for counterspace missions, ULA CEO Tory Bruno told reporters.
New antennas for the Satellite Control Network are coming next year
The system, which is dispersed around the world, provides critical launch support, satellite tracking and control, and emergency assistance for spacecraft.
Trump’s NASA pick says military will inevitably put troops in space
Billionaire and commercial astronaut Jared Isaacman said increased human activity in space will require military protection.
Space Force’s first Silent Barker satellites to go live in early 2025
The Space Force expects the space domain awareness satellites to be fully operational by 2026.
US military eyes joint technology through Japan space partnership
The partnership comes as Japan is prioritizing space in its national defense strategy — pledging to spend billions to improve on-orbit capabilities.
SDA a ‘canary in the coal mine’ for supply chain woes: Space Force
“These challenges are significant and we need to figure out how to get after them," Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein said.
