DARPA Awards Space-BACN Phase 2 Contract to Telesat Government Solutions

Telesat’s government solutions business has announced a 20-month follow-on Phase 2 contract to support the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Space-Based Adaptive Communications Node program. Space-BACN is aimed at developing a lightweight, reconfigurable inter-satellite optical communications terminal to link constellations with different connectivity protocols, Telesat said Wednesday. The program is meant to advance Combined Joint […]

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Noah Lowell

SDA’s Transport Layer Tests Relay First Link 16 Satellite-to-Ground Signals

The Space Development Agency’s transport layer of low-Earth orbit data relay satellites using the military band Link 16 successfully communicated with ground-based radios during SDA tests from Nov. 21 to 27. According to SDA Director Derek Tournear, the tests showed for the first time the feasibility of linking via communication satellites the space, land, sea […]

Posted on November 29, 2023 by Arthur McMiler

DISA Seeks More Contractors for $900M Proliferated Low-Earth Orbit Contract

The Defense Information Systems Agency is inviting companies to bid for spots on a potential 10-year, $900 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity deal to deliver proliferated low-Earth orbit services and capabilities to the Department of Defense. Interested parties can submit proposals for the PLEO Satellite-Based Services contract until May 31, 2024, according to the notice posted on SAM […]

Posted on November 29, 2023 by Noah Lowell

Millennium Space Completes Missile Track Custody Critical Design Review

Millennium Space Systems announced that it has completed a critical design review for the Missile Track Custody space vehicle it is building for the U.S. Space Force. The company completed the CDR less than five months after it concluded the preliminary design review for MTC. The CDR was performed using digital engineering techniques, which streamlined […]

Posted on November 29, 2023 by Lawrence Carter

USSF Chooses Three Ideas from Employees to Drive Innovation in Space Technology

The U.S. Space Force has has selected three ideas to drive innovation in space technology in its competition aimed at promoting innovative thinking among its workforce. Space Systems Command Chief Lt. Gen. Michael Guetlein said the Fight Tonight program seeks to engage creative individuals in nurturing an idea that would help maintain a secure space […]

Posted on November 27, 2023 by Brianne Monterey

NASA’s Bill Nelson to Forge Stronger Space Research Ties With India, UAE

NASA has announced that Administrator Bill Nelson will meet on Monday with government and space officials in India and the United Arab Emirates to strengthen research and innovation cooperation in human exploration, Earth science and other areas. The India visit is part of a joint effort on critical and emerging technology led by President Joe […]

Posted on November 27, 2023 by Noah Lowell

Kratos Wins $579M SSC Contract Extension for MilSatCom Ground Segment Support

The U.S. Space Force has awarded Kratos Defense & Security Solutions an eight-year, $579 million contract extension for military satellite communications support services. Under the contract awarded by Space Systems Command, Kratos will work on the ground systems used by the Command-and-Control System-Consolidated Sustainment and Resiliency program. Specifically, the company will maintain and develop systems for several […]

Posted on November 27, 2023 by Lawrence Carter

Navy Scientists Identify Hydrogen From Lunar Samples

U.S. Naval Research Laboratory researchers have detected hydrogen in lunar samples received from the Apollo mission. According to the NRL, the presence of solar wind hydrogen on lunar soil samples indicates the presence of water on the moon – a vital resource for future lunar bases and long-range space exploration. Katherine Burgess, a geologist at […]

Posted on November 22, 2023 by Lawrence Carter

NASA Official Says Upcoming Mars Mission to Join First New Glenn Launch

Bradley Smith, director of NASA’s Launch Services Office, said a Mars small satellite mission “will very likely” be part of the inaugural flight of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. Smith added that he expects the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers mission launch to take place in one year, while his documents and past […]

Posted on November 22, 2023 by Noah Lowell

DOD Turns to Partners’ Weather Data While Waiting for Space Force’s Satellites

The Department of Defense plans to collaborate with partners as the U.S. Space Force readies its weather monitoring satellites. While waiting for the satellites, the department will augment the gap using data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Japan Meteorological Agency and other partners. The department has been dependent on an aging Defense […]

Posted on November 22, 2023 by Brianne Monterey

Space | GovCon News | POC | Page 29