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U.S. Space Force Awards $437 Million Contracts to Viasat and SES for Military Satellite Network

U.S. Space Force Awards $437 Million Contracts to Viasat and SES for Military Satellite Network

The U.S. Space Force has awarded contracts worth a total of $437.6 million to satellite operators Viasat and SES. These contracts are part of the Protected Tactical Satcom-Global (PTS-G) program, which aims to enhance U.S. military communications by deploying smaller, commercially-based satellites in geostationary orbit. The initiative is designed to create a resilient network capable of withstanding jamming and cyber attacks. The first batch of satellites, referred to as 'Swarm 1,' will include four spacecraft, with Viasat and SES each responsible for building two. These satellites are expected to be delivered by March 2029. The PTS-G program's architecture involves distributing communication capabilities across multiple smaller satellites, ensuring that the loss of a single satellite does not disrupt coverage across a region. The satellites will support X-band and military Ka-band communications, which are commonly used in military operations.

U.S. Space Force Plans to Double Active-Duty Personnel by 2030 Amid Budget Increase

U.S. Space Force Plans to Double Active-Duty Personnel by 2030 Amid Budget Increase

The U.S. Space Force is set to nearly double its active-duty personnel from approximately 10,000 to 20,000 by 2030. This expansion is part of a proposed fiscal 2027 budget of $71 billion, which is more than double the 2026 level. The increase in personnel will include 2,800 active-duty members and 2,000 civilian employees in fiscal year 2027. The expansion is driven by the Pentagon's increased spending on military space programs, including missile defense satellites, launch systems, cyber protection, and communications networks. General Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations, highlighted the need for technical specialties such as cyber operations, engineering, intelligence, acquisitions, and satellite operations. The growth is also tied to the Space Force's emphasis on 'space control,' which involves protecting U.S. satellites and countering adversary systems.

Secretary of Defense Hegseth's Partisan Approach Reshapes U.S. Military Leadership

Secretary of Defense Hegseth's Partisan Approach Reshapes U.S. Military Leadership

On a recent episode of Washington Week With The Atlantic, panelists discussed the influence of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth within the Trump administration and his approach to reshaping the U.S. military. Traditionally, defense secretaries have maintained a nonpartisan stance to safeguard national security and the interests of American service members. However, Hegseth has been noted for discarding this tradition, instead embracing a more partisan role. This shift has sparked discussions about the implications for military leadership and national security. The panel included notable journalists such as Helene Cooper from The New York Times and Jonathan Karl from ABC News, who provided insights into Hegseth's leadership style and its potential impact on the Pentagon.

NASA Initiates Competition for Landsat 10 Spacecraft Contract with 2031 Launch Target

NASA Initiates Competition for Landsat 10 Spacecraft Contract with 2031 Launch Target

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center has released a draft request for proposals for the Landsat 10 spacecraft, marking the beginning of a competitive process to support the Earth observation mission scheduled for launch in 2031. The selected contractor will be responsible for the design, engineering, development, fabrication, integration, testing, and evaluation of a single Landsat 10 observatory. This includes integrating the Landsat Next Instrument Suite, conducting mission readiness and ground simulation activities, and supporting launch and commissioning operations. The contract will be firm-fixed-price and time-and-materials, with a performance period of about five and a half years, including options for potential launch delays. Responses to the presolicitation are due by June 2, with the final request for proposals expected in late June.

Pentagon Releases UFO Files Detailing Mysterious Encounter by US Intelligence Official

Pentagon Releases UFO Files Detailing Mysterious Encounter by US Intelligence Official

A senior US intelligence official reported a mysterious encounter with 'orange orbs' during a mission in late 2025, according to newly released Pentagon documents. The official was investigating reports of unidentified aerial phenomena near a sensitive US military facility when the incident occurred. The orbs, described as oval-shaped with a white or yellow center, appeared to be chasing fighter jets and came within 10 feet of the official's helicopter before splitting into smaller objects and disappearing. The encounter, which left the official 'speechless,' involved multiple sightings of these orbs, which were observed to swarm and form a 'T' formation before vanishing. Fighter jets were deployed to identify the objects but were unsuccessful.

Canada falling short on defense spending, F-35 review, Pentagon official says

Canada falling short on defense spending, F-35 review, Pentagon official says

By Phil Stewart WASHINGTON, May 21 (Reuters) - The U.S. decision to suspend planned biannual defense talks with Canada follows deepening concern that Ottawa is failing to take steps to become a "credible" security partner, including by hiking military spending and completing a review of an F-35

Senators from both parties push Hegseth for action on Ukraine aid

Senators from both parties push Hegseth for action on Ukraine aid

A bipartisan group of senators is pushing back on delays by the Department of Defense in sending roughly $600 million in security aid to Ukraine and other allies in eastern Europe

Lockheed Martin breaks ground on Alabama missile plant

Lockheed Martin breaks ground on Alabama missile plant

By Mike Stone WASHINGTON, May 21 (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin broke ground on Thursday on an 87,000-square-foot Munitions Production Center at its Troy, Alabama campus, as part of a U.S. push to expand missile output and strengthen the defense industrial base.

NORTHCOM Commander Highlights Concerns Over Counter-Drone Technology for Southern Border Patrols

NORTHCOM Commander Highlights Concerns Over Counter-Drone Technology for Southern Border Patrols

General Gregory Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command, has expressed concerns about the lack of adequate counter-drone technology for troops patrolling the southern border. Despite the deployment of several fixed and mobile counter-drone systems, Guillot noted that these are insufficient for patrolling soldiers who face frequent drone incursions by cartels. The southern border has become a testing ground for counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS), but the current technology does not adequately support mobile patrols. Guillot emphasized the need for systems that can accompany soldiers on patrols, a gap that remains unfilled despite the availability of some portable devices like the Dronebuster, which has been criticized for its performance. The Pentagon's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has invested significantly in counter-drone technology, but challenges persist.

U.S. Space Force Plans 2027 In-Space Refueling and Servicing Demonstrations

U.S. Space Force Plans 2027 In-Space Refueling and Servicing Demonstrations

The U.S. Space Force is preparing for a series of in-space demonstrations in 2027, focusing on satellite refueling and servicing. These demonstrations will involve multiple spacecraft, including a fuel-transfer vehicle by Astroscale U.S. and a servicing 'space tug' from Starfish Space. The initiative aims to test the feasibility of extending satellite lifespans and enhancing maneuverability in orbit. The Space Force is collaborating with commercial partners to explore the potential for these technologies to become commercially viable.

Who is Josh Yago? Meeting Notre Dame's U.S. Space Force second lieutenant

Who is Josh Yago? Meeting Notre Dame's U.S. Space Force second lieutenant

Here's what to know about Notre Dame graduate student attacker Josh Yago, who also happens to be a second lieutenant in the U.S. Space Force.

Pentagon official's Beijing visit in doubt over $14 billion US arms package for Taiwan, FT reports

Pentagon official's Beijing visit in doubt over $14 billion US arms package for Taiwan, FT reports

May 21 (Reuters) - Beijing is holding up a proposed visit by the Pentagon's under-secretary of defence for policy, Elbridge Colby, as China pressures U.S. President Donald Trump over a $14 billion weapons package for Taiwan, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.