General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems is preparing to launch its Laser Interconnect and Networking Communication System satellites on a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellites have arrived at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. GA-EMS said it plans to use LINCS to perform a series of optical inter-satellite link demonstrations in partnership with the Space Development […]
A new study by Aerospace Corp. said the departments of Defense and Commerce could broaden discussions on future weather satellite programs as they transition to newer systems for collecting meteorological data. According to the study, such a transition opens up an opportunity for national dialogue and coordinated discussions with groups like the United States Group […]
The Space Force is requesting $832 million in additional funding from Congress for its fiscal year 2022 unfunded priority list. Weapon system sustainment accounts for the biggest chunk in the service’s wish list at $122 million. The funding would advance the Range of the Future concept, which is aimed at updating military installations such as […]
Lawmakers have introduced legislation that would require the federal government to develop guidelines for protecting American space systems. Introduced by Reps. Ted Lieu and Ken Calvert, the Space Infrastructure Act would add space systems to the 16 sectors designated by the Department of Homeland Security as critical infrastructure, the lawmakers said in a press release. […]
Lockheed Martin has secured a five-year, $1 billion contract that calls for services in support of the ground control systems of the decade-old Space Based Infrared System constellation. Under the terms of the contract, Lockheed will operate and maintain the SBIRS centers at Buckley Space Force Base, Peterson Air Force Base and Greeley Air National […]
SES Government Systems and Isotropic Systems have conducted a test of a prototype multibeam antenna designed to provide assured satellite connectivity to airmen. Isotropic Systems said the test was conducted on an SES constellation to determine whether the prototype can connect simultaneously to multiple satellites, including ones in a different orbit, C4ISRNET reported Thursday. “Interoperability […]
Space Force leaders are exploring how to best protect space-based assets and the emerging space-based economy in the coming decades, a senior military scientist told SpaceNews in an interview. Joel Mozer, the chief scientist at Space Operations Command, said the Space Force is “trying to anticipate what’s coming and prepare for an uncertain future,” SpaceNews […]
NASA has announced two new space exploration missions in its Discovery program aimed at gaining a better understanding of Earth’s nearest planetary neighbor, Venus. The DAVINCI+ and VERITAS missions, which were selected over two other mission concepts, are scheduled for launch in the 2028 to 2030 timeframe. Approximately $500 million will be allocated per mission […]
The Space Force has introduced selection boards as a new way of vetting enlisted personnel for promotion, with the goal of completely eliminating the need for skills tests in 2022. According to Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Roger Towberman, the service recently made use of selection committees to vet guardians up for promotion in the […]
ICF, a consultancy and technology services company, has received a five-year NASA contract to provide technical and administrative support to the U.S. Global Change Research Program‘s National Coordination Office. USGCRP is a federal effort to conduct research on changes in the global environment and their implications for society. According to ICF, the program addresses changes […]
