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Space Force Contracts Five Companies for Space Data Network Integration

Space Force Contracts Five Companies for Space Data Network Integration

The U.S. Space Force has awarded contracts to five companies to integrate their commercial satellite networks with its emerging Space Data Network (SDN). The companies, Amazon LEO for Government, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Rocket Lab, and York Space Systems, will participate in a two-step process. The initial phase involves fixed-price contracts, each valued at $10 million, over six to nine months, focusing on demonstrating ground-to-space and space-to-space data transport and interconnectivity with the SDN backbone. The second step, utilizing Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements worth $2 million each, aims to operationalize these connections in orbit by developing Space Exchange Point (SEP) satellites. These SEP birds are designed as orbital routers to enable seamless connectivity between disparate networks and government satellite systems, contributing to the Pentagon's Golden Dome missile defense initiative. The Space Systems Command (SSC) emphasized that the primary objective is to vali...

Astroscale U.S. Executive Janna Lewis to Address On-Orbit Servicing and Space Infrastructure at Silicon Valley Space Week

Astroscale U.S. Executive Janna Lewis to Address On-Orbit Servicing and Space Infrastructure at Silicon Valley Space Week

Astroscale U.S. Executive Janna Lewis to Address On-Orbit Servicing and Space Infrastructure at Silicon Valley Space Week

Mark Peller Appointed President and CEO of United Launch Alliance

Mark Peller Appointed President and CEO of United Launch Alliance

Mark Peller Appointed President and CEO of United Launch Alliance

Viasat Selects Rocket Lab for Satellite Bus in USSF PTS-G Program

Viasat Selects Rocket Lab for Satellite Bus in USSF PTS-G Program

Viasat has chosen Rocket Lab to construct the satellite bus for the U.S. Space Force's (USSF) Protected Tactical Satcom-Global (PTS-G) program. This decision is part of a delivery order awarded to Viasat, which aims to enhance global, resilient, and scalable satellite communications for military personnel. Rocket Lab will provide a GEO configuration of its Lightning spacecraft platform, designed to host Viasat's dual-band X/Ka-band payload. The Lightning-GEO platform incorporates Rocket Lab's vertically integrated components, including tracking, telemetry, and command (TT&C) radios, solar power, and flight software. Viasat's role extends beyond the satellite and payload delivery to include five years of operations and sustainment services, covering TT&C, satellite and network operations, and cybersecurity requirements. This initiative is a key component of the USSF's strategy to leverage commercial designs and technology for smaller, faster-to-produce satellites with improved anti-jam capabilities.

Former NASA Interns and Fellows Ascend to Leadership Roles, Highlighting Impact of Early Career Programs

Former NASA Interns and Fellows Ascend to Leadership Roles, Highlighting Impact of Early Career Programs

Several individuals who participated in early career programs at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Caltech have advanced to significant leadership positions within NASA and the broader scientific community. Amit Kshatriya, who was a 1998 SURF intern at JPL, is now NASA’s associate administrator, chief engineer, and highest-ranking civil servant. Charles Elachi, a former student intern at JPL in 1970, directed the Laboratory from 2001 to 2016, overseeing major advancements in Mars exploration. Additionally, NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins, a former postdoctoral fellow at Caltech, completed multiple JPL internships as a UCLA graduate student, contributing to asteroid research and Mars rover missions. These examples underscore the long-term impact of programs like Caltech's SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships) and JPL internships in shaping future leaders in space exploration and science.

Indian Air Force Seeks Bids for 60 New Military Airlifters, Embraer KC-390 Among Contenders

Indian Air Force Seeks Bids for 60 New Military Airlifters, Embraer KC-390 Among Contenders

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to acquire 60 Multi-Role Transport Aircraft (MTA) at an estimated cost of approximately 1 trillion rupees ($10.4 billion). This procurement aims to replace the IAF's aging fleet of Soviet-era Antonov An-32 aircraft and to bridge the existing capability gap between light and heavy strategic transports. The tender specifically targets airlifters with a payload capacity ranging from 18 to 30 tonnes (39,683 to 66,139 pounds). Key performance benchmarks for these new aircraft include the ability to operate from rough, high-altitude airstrips, such as the Advanced Landing Grounds located in Ladakh and the Northeast regions of India. The new airlifters are expected to perform a variety of missions, including troop transport, cargo drops, medical evacuations, humanitarian operations, and potentially aerial refueling. Among the primary foreign bids anticipated are Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules, with a 19-tonne cargo limit, and Embr...

Top analyst sees nearly 50% upside in beaten-down space stock

Top analyst sees nearly 50% upside in beaten-down space stock

Space equities can have dramatic rises, but investors eventually need more than a compelling mission and a solid story. Intuitive Machines (LUNR) may be starting to deliver. Stifel upgraded the space-infrastructure company to Buy from Hold after Intuitive Machines reported a remarkable acceleration ...

Monument Near Johnson Space Center Honors Black Trailblazers of NASA

Monument Near Johnson Space Center Honors Black Trailblazers of NASA

A new monument titled "Earth Rise" has been unveiled near NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, dedicated to honoring Black trailblazers who have significantly contributed to the U.S. space program. The monument recognizes eight individuals and groups, including former NASA Administrator and Astronaut Charles Bolden Jr., Ed Dwight, Robert Henry Lawrence Jr., George Robert Carruthers, Ruth Bates Harris, NASA Astronaut Group 8, Dr. Bernard Harris Jr., and Sunita Williams. Located on the grounds of St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Nassau Bay, the $125,000 monument was funded by the John and Joseph Talbot Fund of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Reverend Mike Stone of St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church stated that the monument aims to share the stories of these "hidden figures" and promote racial reconciliation and diversity.

United Launch Alliance Appoints Mark Peller as New President and CEO Amidst High Demand for Space Access

United Launch Alliance Appoints Mark Peller as New President and CEO Amidst High Demand for Space Access

United Launch Alliance Appoints Mark Peller as New President and CEO Amidst High Demand for Space Access

How U.S. military funding propelled China’s robot dogs

How U.S. military funding propelled China’s robot dogs

By Michael Martina WASHINGTON, Aug 18 (Reuters) - China’s Unitree Robotics – among the world's biggest producers of humanoid and quadruped robots – based designs for its most successful robot dogs on innovations funded by the U.S. military, according to a former U.S. defense technology official and

L3Harris Technologies Appoints Sam Mehta as CEO Following Christopher Kubasik's Departure

L3Harris Technologies Appoints Sam Mehta as CEO Following Christopher Kubasik's Departure

L3Harris Technologies Appoints Sam Mehta as CEO Following Christopher Kubasik's Departure

SpaceX Launches Classified USSF-366 Military Mission from California

SpaceX Launches Classified USSF-366 Military Mission from California

SpaceX is conducting a classified military mission, designated USSF-366, launching a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Lompoc, California. The launch is scheduled for Saturday night, with a backup opportunity on Sunday. Details regarding the payload of the two-stage rocket are scarce due to its classified nature, though spaceflight outlets speculate it involves deploying military satellites into low-Earth orbit. Despite the secrecy surrounding the payload, SpaceX plans to livestream the launch approximately 10 minutes before liftoff. Following the deployment of the mysterious cargo into space, the 230-foot Falcon 9 booster will attempt a controlled landing on SpaceX's drone ship, 'Of Course I Still Love You,' stationed in the Pacific Ocean, enabling its recovery and reuse for future missions.