A top U.S. Space Force officer revealed that the service will seek funding for new space-based capabilities for tracking objects in space in addition to the more traditional role of tracking objects on Earth’s surface. Lt. Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, the deputy chief of space operations, said the budget request will be included in the USSF’s […]
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration announced that it has selected three more small businesses to support its efforts to advance space exploration and improve life on Earth. The three businesses are the latest additions to 110 other small firms chosen to develop new technologies under its Small Business Innovation Research program, NASA said Thursday. […]
USNC Advanced Technologies announced that it has been selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to develop an ultra-high temperature material testing facility for evaluating materials used in the nuclear thermal propulsion systems of future spacecraft. The demanding requirements for NTP systems necessitate the development of new refractory and ceramic materials capable of performing […]
NASA and the German Aerospace Centre have decided to conclude the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy mission after eight years. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine’s Decadal Survey on Astronomy and Astrophysics 2020 found that SOFIA’s productivity does not justify its operating costs. It also found that the platform’s capabilities do not overlap […]
Viasat Inc. has been selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to support its Communications Services Project. The contract calls for the development of a space relay capability to connect the upcoming ViaSat-3 global satellite constellation with a newly developed terminal, enabling on-demand and cost-effective communications services for low-Earth orbit spacecraft, Viasat said Monday. In […]
The Space Systems Command has established a capability to directly ingest observation data from the Space Fence surveillance system into the U.S. Space Force Unified Data Library. During the initial connection phase and 30-day trial period, the Space Force monitored and verified data that flowed from the Space Fence into the UDL. The tests, which […]
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration announced that three investigation teams have been selected to join its Geospace Dynamics Constellation mission science team in studying Earth’s upper atmosphere. The three teams will be given a combined budget of $149 million to design and deliver instruments to be used in the mission, NASA said Wednesday. In […]
BAE Systems announced that it has been selected by GE Aviation to provide energy management solutions for the hybrid-electric technology demonstrator program recently awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Its role in the research project will include designing, testing and supplying energy management components for electric aircraft in the megawatt power class, BAE […]
Virginia-headquartered Iridium Communications announced that it has submitted jointly with General Dynamics Mission Systems a bid to operate and manage the Space Development Agency’s low Earth orbit constellation. On April 19, Iridium Chief Executive Officer Matt Desch revealed his company’s plan to pursue the SDA contract but did not mention the partnership, SpaceNews reported Saturday. In […]
The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory is working with ABL Space Systems to demonstrate how small teams operating in nontraditional sites can operate launch systems. ABL is using its GS0 deployable ground system and its RS1 launch vehicle for a series of ground demonstrations at various military sites. The first demo included all activities for […]
