Military
Stories about military and national security missions in orbit.
Tumbling Russian Sat Highlights Counterspace Threat
A prototype anti-sat weapon Russia launched into orbit in 2022 is tumbling out of control, according to commercial SSA companies who spotted it. That’s a sign the spacecraft is no longer functional.
Lockheed Martin Invests $2M in Farcast
Farcast’s technology aims to increase the US military’s satcom connectivity, especially for highly mobile troops. The company’s main competitive advantage, however, may lie in its high-quality user terminals produced at low cost.
EOs, Commercial Cooperation, and Culture: A Recap of Polaris After Dark
The Trump administration has ordered the Pentagon to speed up its defense acquisition process. That will require trained staff to quickly get new commercial tech under contract, according to Col. Richard Kniseley, the senior materiel leader of Space Systems Command’s Commercial Space Office.
NRO Launches First Payload Under New NatSec Contract
The NROL-145 launch is the first under the Space Force’s Phase 3 Lane 1 rubric—a launch contracting mechanism that will spend $5.6B on relatively simple launches with fewer requirements, which might suit new entrants to the national security launch game.
We Have Some Space Questions About The Golden Dome
President Donald Trump’s executive order calling for a new, satellite-based missile defense architecture around the continental US has defense contractors salivating, but questions about the cost, capabilities, and requirement for such a system remain unanswered.
The Space Force Outlines Its Guide to Space Warfare
Space is the ultimate high ground, and like a modern-day Sun Tzu, Space Force chief Gen. Chance Saltzman has issued his Art of Space War.
NATO Considers Reopening Space Policy Ahead of Schedule
“It’s not supposed to be even touched until 2027. Now they’re saying that’s probably too long. So let’s talk about—is now the time, based on what’s happening in the world,” Col. Jonathan Whitaker told Payload on the sidelines of Space Symposium.
Derek Tournear Will Return to the SDA’s Helm
Dust off that nameplate: Derek Tournear is taking his corner office back. The former leader of the Space Development Agency (SDA) will return to his old job on April 17, following three months of administrative leave.
Four TacRS Startups Join TRL Bootcamp
They focus on tech ranging from high-res imaging, mission planning, non-Earth imaging, and carrying and dispensing small sats in orbit (not unlike how an aircraft carrier operates at sea).
Space Companies Kept Ukraine In The Fight (For Now)
When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the smaller, less resourced Ukrainian military was able to fight back in part thanks to innovative commercial tech, according to top execs.
The Golden Dome Might Fly Sooner Than You Think
Leaders from L3Harris argued that the company has already demonstrated many technologies that will be central to the Golden Dome architecture.
Astroscale, Orbit Fab Pair to Gas Up DoD
The first US military satellite launched in 1958. The first one that will be able to fly longer than a single tank of fuel will launch next year.
DoD Taps Firefly For Responsive LEO Mission
Firefly will conduct a responsive space mission for DoD as early as 2027, which will include capabilities such as conducting space domain operations in LEO.
