Space Force picks Northrop for ‘Elixir’ satellite refueling demo
The mission is a follow-on to a Space Systems Command contract Northrop received last year to develop a tanker satellite called GAS-T.
Battlefield Tech
New Defense Department experimentation series targets data integration
The GIDE X events aim to tackle technical and systems integration issues that can keep operators from leveraging command-and-control capability upgrades.
Space Force adds Rocket Lab, Stoke Space to launch vendor pool
The two companies will join three others selected last summer, including SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin.
Space Force OKs Vulcan rocket as SpaceX competitor for military launch
Vulcan’s certification means SpaceX should have at least one competitor for future launches — though several other firms are lining up behind them.
In the wake of Hegseth’s software memo, experts eye further change
Many view the guidance as a first step toward broader reforms to how software is funded and tested and how the workforce is equipped to leverage it.
Opinion
US must develop measures to counter Chinese artificial intelligence
In this op-ed, the author argues how Chinese AI development could provide the PLA with an extraordinary military advantage — if the US fails to counter.
Launch delays hamper near-term impact of GPS experimentation program
The Space Force is weighing its options for how to proceed with integrating NTS-3 technology into upcoming GPS production lines.
Republicans offer defense spending tips after punting on a budget
“Good luck getting DoD to adhere to this," one analyst said of lawmakers' attempts to influence defense spending.
China demonstrated ‘satellite dogfighting,’ Space Force general says
A Space Force spokesperson said the demonstration occurred in 2024 and involved five Chinese satellites.
Space Force teaming with Air Force on Joint Simulation Environment
The Space Force is integrating its capabilities into the Joint Simulation Environment and crafting a plan for an advanced simulation capability of its own.
Space Force eyes commercial options for space surveillance mission
The Space Force is looking at ways to integrate commercial capabilities and better partner with international allies on space domain awareness.
Geospatial-intelligence agency aims for more AI resources in 2025
Among NGA's priorities are more funding for AI compute infrastructure and more emphasis on building AI trust and expertise within its workforce.
Space Development Agency delays next launch amid supply chain woes
The agency initially planned to start launching the Tranche 1 satellites in September 2024, but has walked back those plans on several occasions.
Hegseth mandates streamlined software acquisition approach in new memo
Hegseth directed DOD components to use the Software Acquisition Pathway in an effort to speed up the process for fielding software-heavy systems.
US military’s mini space shuttle returns to Earth after secret mission
The Space Force's unmanned X-37B blasted into orbit from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in December 2023 on a secret mission.
Palantir delivers first 2 next-gen targeting systems to Army
The announcement comes nearly one year to the date of the service awarding the firm a $178 million contract to deliver 10 TITAN ground systems.
‘Golden Dome’ success will require national buy-in, official says
Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein said the biggest challenge with President Trump's Golden Dome will be organizational collaboration.
