Science Applications International Corp. has secured a $574.5 million ground-based radar maintenance and sustainment contract from the U.S. Space Force. The space military branch is operating a network of early warning radar sensors for missile threat and space object surveillance and detection. The radar sites are at various locations, including Alaska, California, Greenland and the […]
The Space Systems Command and the National Reconnaissance Office will launch the SILENTBARKER mission on Aug. 29 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission, also designated NROL-107, aims to provide space domain awareness as required by the Department of Defense and the intelligence community. The mission payload will be sent into orbit […]
The Defense Innovation Unit, in partnership with the Space Force’s Space Safari acquisition program office, is soliciting proposals to prototype and demonstrate on-orbit tactically responsive space systems. According to the solicitation, the DIU is interested in TacRS capabilities that can enable satellite launch within 24 hours of notice; characterization of on-orbit threats within 48 hours […]
The U.S. Space Force has awarded digital engineering software startup Sedaro a $1.5 million Small Business Innovation Research Phase 2 contract to design spacecraft using digital twin technology. Sedaro will partner with Space Dynamics Laboratory and Draper Labs to design spacecraft for the Space Force’s in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing mission. The contract, issued under […]
Six small businesses have received a total of $20 million in funding from NASA to build prototypes of technologies for deorbiting or repurposing space debris and protecting rovers, landers and other spacecraft from highly adhesive and abrasive dust on the surface of other planetary bodies. Busek, CU Aerospace, Flight Works and Vestigo Aerospace will focus […]
The U.S. Space Force has introduced the Tactically Responsive Space Challenge, an initiative designed to solicit ideas for rapid satellite deployment during emergencies or conflicts. Under the challenge, companies can submit bids through the Department of Defense’s Small Business Innovation Research portal. Proposals should cover any of the following six areas: upfront coordination processes; logistics; […]
The U.S. Space Force Commercial Satellite Communications Office has awarded PAR Government Systems a position on a new contract vehicle for procuring proliferated low-Earth orbit satellite services. The company is thus eligible to compete for task orders under the potential 10-year, $900 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The IDIQ spot was secured in partnership with space-based radar […]
Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman will each develop and deliver 36 beta satellites for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture’s Tranche 2 Transport Layer. The Space Development Agency awarded Lockheed an $816 million contract and Northrop a $733 million contract to build the satellites, which are expected to launch beginning September 2026. PWSA’s T2TL segment will […]
The U.S. Space Force has named OneWeb Technologies as a prime contractor for the 10-year, $900 million Proliferated Low-Earth Orbit Commercial Satellite Communications contract. The p-LEO contract is part of a Department of Defense acquisition plan that requires the Space Force’s Commercial Satellite Communications Office to procure COMSATCOM bandwidth and services to meet military needs, […]
The Space Development Agency has chosen Germany-based Mynaric to build an optical ground station for a laser communications test in 2025. The agency plans to demonstrate a connection between the station and space-based optical communications terminals. The program’s objective is to record findings from the laser communications test to reduce risks for follow-on demonstrations, which […]
