Global communications company Viasat announced Tuesday that it is working to integrate its In-line Network Encryptor into a Link 16-capable low-Earth orbit satellite. The company is currently developing the experimental LEO satellite for the Air Force Research Laboratory under a $10 million contract awarded in 2019. Through Viasat’s INE, the LEO system will be equipped […]
Synthetaic, a synthetic data company, has been awarded an AFWERX contract to help the Air Force use artificial intelligence for geospatial labeling. AFWERX is an initiative aimed at fostering innovation within the Air Force technology community. The program provides small amounts of funding to startup projects while lowering the barrier to entry for entrepreneurs. Synthetaic […]
The Air Force is looking for an artificial intelligence-powered software emulator that can support a joint warfighting training environment. The technology will specifically support the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicles Directorate and the Distributed Mission Operations Center, which are jointly integrating space capabilities into a live, synthetic, blended all-domain warfighting environment, according to an […]
The Space Force has selected Raytheon Technologies and Millennium Space Systems to design digital models for verifying the performance of infrared sensors to be used in the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared satellites. The companies will support the Missile Track Custody Prototype effort, which is aimed at determining the IR sensors’ effectiveness in detecting and tracking […]
Palantir Technologies has been awarded a firm-fixed-price contract to deploy its data-as-a-service platform for the Space and Missile Systems Center’s Cross-Mission Ground and Communications Enterprise. The $32.5 million contract converges SMC/ECX’s Space Command and Control program, the Air Force’s Project Brown Heron and a NORAD-NORTHCOM mission area, Palantir said Monday. As part of the work […]
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency wants to enhance its satellite observation capabilities by partnering with other meteorological government organizations, including foreign ones. According to one official, European and Asian satellite constellations can benefit the new portfolio approach of NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service, SpaceNews reported Tuesday. NESDIS Assistant Administrator Stephen Volz […]
Frank Kendall, President Joe Biden’s pick for Air Force secretary, said at his confirmation hearing that he intends to support the Space Force’s ongoing efforts in standing up units and acquiring new systems. Kendall, who is poised to become the highest ranked civilian leader of both the Air Force and the Space Force, testified before […]
Paragon Space Development has been selected to build a critical component of the habitation and logistics outpost module for NASA’s Lunar Gateway. The HALO module, estimated to be the size of a small studio apartment, will accommodate astronauts docking to the gateway. The pressurized living quarters can support a crew of four for up to […]
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency will likely demo only two payloads for its Blackjack program. According to program manager Stephen Forbes, while the payload lineup has not yet been finalized, it has been decided that Blackjack satellites will carry a radio frequency package for communications and geolocation, as well as an overhead persistent infrared […]
The Space Force is expected to solicit bids for a new space radar program aimed at persistently tracking objects in geosynchronous orbit. On or before June 30, the Space and Missile Systems Center’s Space Enterprise Consortium will issue a request for prototype proposals for the Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept, a project that the Air […]
