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Space Force Considers Shifting Launch Contracts Due to Vulcan Rocket Issues

Space Force Considers Shifting Launch Contracts Due to Vulcan Rocket Issues

The U.S. Space Force is reassessing its launch service contracts following reliability issues with United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket. The Vulcan rocket, one of the primary launch vehicles used by the Space Force, has experienced multiple malfunctions, including issues with its solid rocket boosters. These problems have led to delays and reputational harm for ULA. As a result, the Space Force has moved several GPS satellite launches from Vulcan to SpaceX's Falcon 9. Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, head of the Space Force's Space Systems Command, stated that these reliability concerns will influence future procurement decisions, as the Pentagon prepares for its next round of launch service contracts.
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U.S. Space Force Selects Blue Origin for Heavy Launch Development at Vandenberg

U.S. Space Force Selects Blue Origin for Heavy Launch Development at Vandenberg

The U.S. Space Force has chosen Blue Origin to advance in the process of leasing Space Launch Complex-14 (SLC-14) at Vandenberg Space Force Base for developing heavy and super-heavy launch capabilities. This decision follows a Request for Information issued in December 2025, aimed at identifying capable launch service providers. The selection of Blue Origin marks a significant step in enhancing the U.S. military's space operations, aligning with the USSF Commercial Space Strategy and national security objectives. The development at SLC-14 is expected to bolster the region's role in space access and drive economic growth.
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Space Force Considers Vulcan Rocket for Lower-Risk Missions Amid Anomaly Investigation

Space Force Considers Vulcan Rocket for Lower-Risk Missions Amid Anomaly Investigation

The U.S. Space Force is evaluating the use of United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Vulcan rocket for less-complex missions following a solid rocket motor anomaly that has grounded the vehicle for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) missions. The anomaly, linked to a Northrop Grumman-built solid rocket motor, occurred during a February launch. The Space Force is considering launching missions without these boosters, particularly for lower mass or lower orbit missions. The service is collaborating with NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, and industry partners to resolve the issue.
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U.S. Air Force Seeks Multiyear Procurement for Aircraft and Spacecraft to Enhance Production

U.S. Air Force Seeks Multiyear Procurement for Aircraft and Spacecraft to Enhance Production

The U.S. Air Force is exploring options to establish a multiyear procurement framework for aircraft and spacecraft development. This initiative is similar to recent contracts for munitions replenishment. Secretary Troy Meink announced during a media roundtable at the Space Foundation’s annual Space Symposium that the Air Force is working with Congress to gain the necessary authority for these contracts. The traditional procurement model of acquiring one to two initial research-and-development satellite systems followed by one additional satellite annually is being reconsidered. Companies are now expected to design satellites for manufacturability from the outset, anticipating significant production runs for new satellite programs. The military expects industry partners to invest more upfront before contract awards, necessitating the government to provide long-term production commitments.
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U.S. Air Force Seeks Multiyear Procurement for Aircraft and Spacecraft

U.S. Air Force Seeks Multiyear Procurement for Aircraft and Spacecraft

The U.S. Air Force is exploring options to establish a multiyear procurement framework for aircraft and spacecraft development. This initiative aims to provide greater long-term production commitments to industry partners, encouraging upfront investment before contract awards. Secretary Troy Meink discussed the plan during a media roundtable at the Space Foundation's annual Space Symposium. The traditional model of procuring satellite systems is shifting towards significant production runs, with companies being asked to design for manufacturability from the start. The Air Force is working with Congress to gain authority for these contracts, receiving strong support from Capitol Hill.
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NASA's Ambitious Moon Base Plans Face Significant Challenges

NASA's Ambitious Moon Base Plans Face Significant Challenges

NASA has unveiled a 'Moon Base User's Guide' outlining the challenges it faces in executing 73 planned moon landings and establishing a permanent lunar base. The guide, published on April 6, details the agency's ambitious plans announced at the 'Ignition' event on March 24. NASA aims to conduct 21 lunar landings within the next three years to lay the groundwork for a $20 billion moon base, with the first crewed missions expected by 2028. The document highlights gaps in current capabilities, including landing systems, habitation systems, and power systems necessary for human survival on the moon. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman acknowledged the difficulty of these plans at the 2026 Space Symposium, emphasizing the agency's commitment to learning from potential failures.
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White House Orders Pentagon and NASA to Launch Nuclear Reactors into Space by 2028

White House Orders Pentagon and NASA to Launch Nuclear Reactors into Space by 2028

The White House has issued a directive to the Pentagon and NASA to launch nuclear reactors into orbit by 2028 and to the Moon by 2030. This initiative aims to provide sustained electricity, heating, and propulsion for future space missions. The policy memo calls for a dual design competition to produce low- to mid-power space reactors for use in orbit and on the lunar surface. The Pentagon is tasked with briefing the White House on relevant use-cases and payloads within 90 days. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure U.S. space superiority, as outlined in President Trump's executive order.
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R2 Wireless Advances Military Technology with RF Spectrum Awareness

R2 Wireless Advances Military Technology with RF Spectrum Awareness

R2 Wireless Advances Military Technology with RF Spectrum Awareness
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SpaceX Launches 1,000th Starlink Satellite of 2026 from Cape Canaveral

SpaceX Launches 1,000th Starlink Satellite of 2026 from Cape Canaveral

SpaceX Launches 1,000th Starlink Satellite of 2026 from Cape Canaveral
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HASC Chair Rogers Declares Trillion-Dollar Defense Budgets as 'New Normal'

HASC Chair Rogers Declares Trillion-Dollar Defense Budgets as 'New Normal'

Rep. Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, has stated that a $1 trillion baseline defense budget is now the standard for future funding. The proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027 includes $350 billion in reconciliation funding and $1.15 trillion from the annual discretionary defense bill. Rogers emphasized that the trillion-dollar baseline is here to stay, although additional multi-billion spending measures are less certain. The budget includes significant allocations for military space priorities and ongoing conflicts, with reconciliation funding facing potential challenges in Congress.
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Space Force Introduces Core Enlisted Framework to Develop Future Leaders

Space Force Introduces Core Enlisted Framework to Develop Future Leaders

The U.S. Space Force has unveiled a new Core Enlisted Framework designed to guide the development of its enlisted personnel into future leaders capable of operating in a contested space domain. This framework outlines a career-long roadmap for guardians, detailing their progression from tactical specialists to operational leaders and strategic thinkers. The initiative aims to cultivate skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership, which are essential for success in complex environments. The framework aligns with the Space Force's Vector 2025, which emphasizes force development as a key component of achieving space superiority.
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MDA Space Introduces MDA MIDNIGHT™ Platform to Enhance Space Defense Capabilities

MDA Space Introduces MDA MIDNIGHT™ Platform to Enhance Space Defense Capabilities

MDA Space Introduces MDA MIDNIGHT™ Platform to Enhance Space Defense Capabilities