NASA has selected nine companies for initial studies on commercial services that could support less costly and more frequent missions to Mars. The selected firms’ work is divided into four concept categories for a total of 12 studies. Some companies, such as Lockheed Martin and Blue Origin, will work on more than one study category. Chosen […]
Brig. Gen. Robert Hutt, director of plans and programs for the U.S. Space Force, has highlighted the service’s vital role in the nation’s joint warfighting capabilities. At a recent Space Force Association event, Hutt said that the Department of Defense has recognized the valuable contribution of the Space Force in enabling kill chains, a term […]
A report issued by the Government Accountability Office has identified a gap in mandatory cybersecurity protocols for NASA’s spacecraft acquisition process. According to GAO’s audit, while the space agency has implemented general cybersecurity requirements across its programs, mandatory guidelines specifically for acquiring spacecraft are not yet in place, Nextgov/FCW reported. Currently, NASA relies on non-binding […]
The Space Systems Command has completed the critical design review of the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Polar Space Vehicle, testing whether its design could deliver the northern hemisphere’s strategic missile warning requirements and counter evolving threats. The spacecraft is a resilient space-based global missile warning system that will replace the Space Based Infrared Systems […]
NASA has appointed John Bailey as the new director of the Stennis Space Center in Mississipi. Bailey brings over three decades of experience to the position, having worked with the U.S. Air Force and NASA. In his previous roles at Stennis, Bailey managed critical rocket propulsion test facilities and oversaw multimillion-dollar projects, NASA said. Bill […]
Rocket Lab is priming two of its Electron rockets for consecutive launches of NASA’s Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment, a twin mission focused on climate change research. The first mission, dubbed “Ready, Aim, PREFIRE,” is scheduled for launch as early as May 22, with its twin, called “PREFIRE And Ice,” following within three […]
The Federal Aviation Administration’s Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee is seeking approval for the return of the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation, or AST, as a standalone unit under the Secretary of Transportation, just like when it was created in 1984. COMSTAC unanimously recommended the office’s removal from FAA jurisdiction during its meeting Tuesday. […]
The U.S. Space Force is looking to modernize space launch operations through a recent Department of Defense National Security Innovation Network bootcamp. At the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, members of the Space Launch Delta 30 participated in a program that saw them undergo hands-on exercises and develop innovative solutions to address several limitations […]
Agile Space Industries and True Anomaly are partnering to develop a cutting-edge propulsion system for True Anomaly’s Jackal autonomous orbital vehicle. Under the agreement, Agile Space will manufacture critical propulsion components, including main engines, attitude control thrusters and propellant tanks. The advanced system will empower True Anomaly’s Jackal to perform multi-orbit maneuvers, achieve high acceleration […]
Blue Origin is scheduled to launch its New Glenn rocket to Mars with two NASA small satellites as payload on Sept. 29, according to Nick Benardini, the agency’s planetary protection officer. Benardini disclosed the inaugural flight’s date in his presentation of NASA’s Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers mission to the planetary protection committee […]
