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U.S. Air Force Awards Initial Contracts for Space-Based AMTI Systems

U.S. Air Force Awards Initial Contracts for Space-Based AMTI Systems

The U.S. Department of the Air Force has announced the awarding of the base contract for new space-based air moving target indication (AMTI) systems. This development was revealed by Air Force Secretary Troy Meink during the Space Foundation's annual Space Symposium. The contract involves multiple undisclosed vendors under an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity agreement. The Air Force has issued a classified request for information regarding a radar space-based AMTI capability, with the first operational satellite contract expected to be awarded soon. The U.S. Space Force's fiscal 2027 budget request includes $7 billion in procurement funds for these new AMTI satellites, a significant increase from the $2 billion allocated in the 2025 budget reconciliation bill. This funding boost reflects confidence in the technical maturity of space-based AMTI systems, supported by recent and future prototype demonstrations.

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.

COMSO Aims to Expand Working Capital Fund for Space Capabilities

COMSO Aims to Expand Working Capital Fund for Space Capabilities

The Space Systems Command's Commercial Space Office (COMSO) is planning to expand its Working Capital Fund to incorporate more commercial capabilities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate commercial technologies into the Space Force's architecture. COMSO Director Col. Tim Trimailo discussed these plans at the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. Established in 2023, COMSO focuses on leveraging commercial space capabilities to enhance the Space Force's operational effectiveness. The expansion of the Working Capital Fund is intended to support the budgeting of the Commercial Space Augmentation Reserve (CASR), ensuring that the Space Force can effectively utilize commercial innovations.

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.

Trump Administration Proposes $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget for FY2027

Trump Administration Proposes $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget for FY2027

The Trump administration has submitted a $1.5 trillion defense budget request for fiscal year 2027, reflecting a significant increase in military spending. The budget supports the National Defense Strategy and includes a base budget of $1.1 trillion, with an additional $350 billion in reconciliation funding. Key allocations include $74.2 billion for Air Force research and development, focusing on the F-47 sixth-generation stealth fighter, and substantial increases in missile procurement for the Army and Air Force. The budget also emphasizes the development of space-based missile defense systems and the Navy's shipbuilding program. However, some programs face funding reductions, such as basic research and the Air Force's E-7 Wedgetail radar aircraft.

White House Considers Investigation into Mysterious Deaths of Scientists

White House Considers Investigation into Mysterious Deaths of Scientists

The White House, under the Trump administration, is contemplating an investigation into a series of mysterious deaths and disappearances involving U.S. scientists. These individuals reportedly had access to classified nuclear or aerospace materials. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue after being questioned about ten scientists who have either disappeared or died since mid-2024. Among the missing is Air Force Major General William Neil McCasland, last seen in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His personal belongings were found at home, and a sweatshirt was discovered nearby. Another case involves aerospace engineer Monica Reza, who vanished while hiking in California. She was involved in a government-funded project related to rocket materials. The administration has yet to confirm any formal investigation, but the situation is under review.

U.S. Air Force Plans Multi-Year Procurement for Aircraft and Spacecraft Development

U.S. Air Force Plans Multi-Year Procurement for Aircraft and Spacecraft Development

U.S. Air Force Plans Multi-Year Procurement for Aircraft and Spacecraft Development

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.

Air Force Research Lab Cancels $10 Billion Contract Vehicle to Reassess Strategy

Air Force Research Lab Cancels $10 Billion Contract Vehicle to Reassess Strategy

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has decided to cancel a potential $10 billion contract vehicle, known as the AFRL Multiple Award Contract (AMAC), which was intended to support a wide range of science and technology initiatives. This decision comes six weeks after the deadline for bids, as the AFRL aims to reassess its requirements and acquisition strategy. The AMAC was designed to acquire research-and-development support for the entire Air Force, covering unclassified efforts in areas such as space, air, cyberspace, electronic warfare, and cross-cutting technology work. The final solicitation for AMAC was issued on January 27, with proposals due by February 27. The AFRL's announcement indicates that they will reconsider whether to issue a new solicitation for these requirements.

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.

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.

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.