DoD Plumps SDA’s 2021 Budget, Despite Uncertain Role

DoD Plumps SDA’s 2021 Budget, Despite Uncertain Role
DoD Plumps SDA’s 2021 Budget, Despite Uncertain Role

The jump in R&D funding reflects SDA’s ambitious plans to launch “dozens” of satellites by 2022 to create a skeleton architecture in Low Earth Orbit to provide communications between satellites and ships, aircraft and ground-based weapon systems; track advanced missile threats including low-flying hypersonic cruise missiles; and to support targeting of adversary mobile ground systems.

SDA To Demo Tracking & Targeting Satellites In 2022

SDA To Demo Tracking & Targeting Satellites In 2022
SDA To Demo Tracking & Targeting Satellites In 2022

Tournear says SDA is involved with wider DoD efforts to develop capabilities for multi-domain operations. The sapce agency’s planned satellites will serve as the “backbone” used by all the services to share targeting data.

Griffin: DoD Can’t Rely on Commercial Satellite Communications

Griffin: DoD Can’t Rely on Commercial Satellite Communications
Griffin: DoD Can’t Rely on Commercial Satellite Communications

Griffin’s seeming skepticism about commercial ventures to provide global broadband and Internet services is in stark contrast to the enthusiasm bubbling out of the Air Force and the Army. 

Hey SDA, AFRL Boosts Space-Based Internet Tests

Hey SDA, AFRL Boosts Space-Based Internet Tests
Hey SDA, AFRL Boosts Space-Based Internet Tests

“I’ve never gotten a briefing from the Space Development Agency,” Roper said, “so I don’t know what their plan, I don’t know what they’re intending.”

Air Force Testing Novel ISR Sensors For LEO Sats

Air Force Testing Novel ISR Sensors For LEO Sats
Air Force Testing Novel ISR Sensors For LEO Sats

Aerospace was able to build and test both sats within 16 months, and launch them after only 18 months — a fraction of the average seven to eight years it traditionally has taken the service.

New Space Debris Rules Stalled By Year-Long Interagency Spat

New Space Debris Rules Stalled By Year-Long Interagency Spat
New Space Debris Rules Stalled By Year-Long Interagency Spat

“Of all people, it’s the ‘space warmongers’ doing the most to try to sustain the (space) environment,” one DoD official said.

Lots of DoD Small Launchers, But What Will They Launch?

Lots of DoD Small Launchers, But What Will They Launch?
Lots of DoD Small Launchers, But What Will They Launch?

“The external and internal communication regarding [DoD] smallsat strategy is not consistent and not clear,” Carissa Christensen, CEO of Bryce Space and Technologies, said wryly.

Lockheed Joins Satellite ‘Sustainability’ Rating System

Lockheed Joins Satellite ‘Sustainability’ Rating System
Lockheed Joins Satellite ‘Sustainability’ Rating System

“Let’s not practice ASAT technology in Low Earth Orbit,” says Rick Ambrose, Lockheed Martin’s executive vice president for Space.

Commerce Dept. Remote Sensing Rules Reduce DoD Licensing Control

Commerce Dept. Remote Sensing Rules Reduce DoD Licensing Control
Commerce Dept. Remote Sensing Rules Reduce DoD Licensing Control

Newly proposed licensing rules for commercial remote sensing will eliminate automatic DoD review rights for of a majority of applications.

FCC Debates Space Debris Rules

FCC Debates Space Debris Rules
FCC Debates Space Debris Rules

“It is rocket science, after all,” says Trump-appointed FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, who questions the commission’s mandate on orbital debris mitigation oversight for commercial space companies.

Thompson: AFSPC Will Use Mega Constellations

Thompson: AFSPC Will Use Mega Constellations
Thompson: AFSPC Will Use Mega Constellations

“We will be using proliferated LEO,” says Lt. Gen. David Thompson, vice commander of Air Force Space Command. “It is simply a matter of for what missions.”

Congress Must Push DoD To LEO, Former Reps Say

Congress Must Push DoD To LEO, Former Reps Say
Congress Must Push DoD To LEO, Former Reps Say

Congress should pass laws to ensure that the Pentagon fully commits to creating a “large, updatable, and resilient national security constellation” in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Say It With Space Lasers: Optical Comsats For Major War

Say It With Space Lasers: Optical Comsats For Major War
Say It With Space Lasers: Optical Comsats For Major War

Nine years after the Pentagon tried and failed to build laser communications satellites, can the private sector get it done?

Space Mystery: Are Russian Doll Sats a Threat?

Space Mystery: Are Russian Doll Sats a Threat?
Space Mystery: Are Russian Doll Sats a Threat?

The State Department and Pentagon are expressing concern over new Russian and Chinese activities in space, while the White House is pushing for the creation of a Space Force.