Russian and Chinese anti-satellite tests are responsible for “pretty much 20 percent” of “conjunction” warnings, that is predictions that two space objects are likely to collide, in 2022, said the State Department’s Eric Desautels.
By Theresa HitchensA major overhaul is coming in software for missile warning
Space Systems Command’s FORGE program is the first, major missile-warning software modernization effort in 20 years.
“Despite the focus on diplomacy and governance and references to ‘humanity,’ it’s not a warm and fuzzy policy,” Jessica West, of Canada’s Project Ploughshares, explained. “It is firmly rooted in national interest — which is fair.”
By Theresa Hitchens
The special fund is part of a three-part plan floated by Nate Fick, the State Department’s roving ambassador for cybersecurity, to help bolster allied cyber skills before — and during — crises.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.
The new policy does not change the restrictions for exports of rockets or drones designated by the MTCR as Category 1 systems.
By Theresa Hitchens
Last week, 33 nations called for a global treaty restricting “lethal autonomous weapons.” But US officials warn that such a ban would be both premature and overly narrow, preferring broader but non-binding “best practices” guiding any military employment of AI.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.
The policy contains “explicit presumptions” that US national security is enhanced when human rights are better respected overseas.
By Jaspreet Gill
BAE Systems’ LR-PGK: The Superior Anti-Jam Solution
Going the distance to defeat emerging jam threats.
Russian hackers haven’t crippled Ukrainian networks, but it’s not for lack of trying. With Western help, Ukraine had spent eight years building its cyber defenses – ironically, in a way most US agencies and companies have not.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.
“I’m a Star Trek fan, so I’m optimistic,” said former NASA official Mike Gold about the Artemis Accords facilitating space cooperation for terrestrial rivals.
By Theresa Hitchens
“There are ongoing reviews to find other other commitments that we can make, specifically around national security space activities,” said the State Department’s Richard Buenneke.
By Theresa Hitchens
Up to now, only Canada and New Zealand have joined the US in unilaterally pledging not to test destructive ASAT missiles, but diplomats expect others to join in.
By Theresa Hitchens
Asked about the risk of weapons in Ukraine getting into the wrong hands, Jessica Lewis expressed confidence, but acknowledged “Obviously, this is a war zone. And so we are always aware of the challenges inside a war — an ongoing war.”
By Andrew Eversden
Though even global rivals had substantive discussions this time, “I imagine that it will start to get spicier,” an allied expert said of the next meeting of the UN group that will focus on threatening behavior by military space operators.
By Theresa Hitchens
“We aim to prove that we can stay focused on the region despite the very real power moves elsewhere,” State Department official Camille Dawson said after mentioning Ukraine.
By Colin Clark
“Although the policy sharpened the focus on human rights in these many ways, it missed a unique opportunity to show its commitment to the defense industrial base at a time where more is being asked of it that any point since World War II,” writes former State official Josh Kirshner.
By Josh Kirshner