All articles tagged with #military satellites
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is developing a lightweight scanning reflectarray antenna (HoNi BAJR) for proliferated low-Earth orbit to protect military satellite links from electronic attacks, delivering advanced beamforming with about 95% less power and a smaller footprint; calibration remains a key challenge as researchers test wide-angle scanning and multi-user beams for future spacecraft constellations.
Germany plans to invest €35 billion ($41 billion) over five years to enhance its space security capabilities, including new satellite constellations, cybersecurity, and industry collaboration, motivated by threats from Russia and China.
Residents across Pennsylvania observed swirling lights in the sky following the launch of United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket from Florida, which deployed military satellites for the U.S. Space Force, marking the first operational flight of this new launcher.
United Launch Alliance successfully launched its first operational Vulcan rocket on a Space Force mission, marking a milestone as the first national security launch with this new launcher, which will replace older ULA rockets and support high-orbit military payloads, including classified satellites and advanced navigation technology.
United Launch Alliance successfully launched its first operational Vulcan rocket on a Space Force-sanctioned mission, deploying military satellites including a classified payload and an experimental navigation satellite, marking a significant milestone in ULA's transition to an all-Vulcan fleet and the replacement of older rockets.
Sierra Space has launched Sierra Space Defense, a new division focused on national security programs, including satellite components and rapid-response spacecraft, supported by significant U.S. defense contracts and a new manufacturing facility in Colorado.
The U.S. Space Force successfully launched a GPS III satellite via SpaceX's Falcon 9, demonstrating a rapid response capability that condenses the typical two-year satellite deployment process to about three months, enhancing military resilience and response times.
Rocket Lab has secured a $515 million contract from the Space Development Agency to design, manufacture, deliver, and operate 18 military satellites as part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. Leveraging its vertically integrated supply chain, Rocket Lab will build the satellites and use its own subcomponents, with the bulk of the work to be carried out in the next three years. The company will operate the satellites through 2030, with an option to extend operations through 2033, and plans to continue making proposals on other initiatives beyond this contract.
The Space Development Agency has awarded Rocket Lab a $515 million contract to produce and operate 18 satellites for a low Earth orbit military satellite network, with a projected launch in mid-2027. These satellites will form part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture's Transport Layer, providing communications capabilities for military forces. Rocket Lab will lead the design, development, and production of the satellites, which will be based on the satellite buses the company is developing for Globalstar. This marks a significant milestone for Rocket Lab's satellite operations and signifies a shift towards commercially produced spacecraft for military use.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced his New Year's resolution to enhance his country's nuclear capabilities by developing more nuclear materials and launching three military satellites in 2024. He also plans to advance North Korea's drone technology and aims to achieve an "overwhelming war response capability." This announcement comes amid increased tensions with the United States, highlighted by North Korea's recent missile launches and military exercises. Kim has also been strengthening ties with Russia and China, having communicated with their leaders and even visiting Russia by train.
Denver-based startup True Anomaly has raised $100 million in a Series B funding round led by Riot Ventures, with participation from several other investors. True Anomaly specializes in producing small satellites for surveillance and reconnaissance in space, primarily targeting the military and intelligence markets. The funding will be used to further advance the company's mission, including the development of its spacecraft called Jackal, training services for military satellite operators, and expanding its staff. The first two Jackal satellites are scheduled to launch in March 2024.
The Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded Northrop Grumman a $732 million contract for 38 communications satellites as part of the U.S. military's low Earth orbit space architecture. These satellites will be part of the Transport Layer Tranche 2 Alpha, which aims to create a tactical network for transmitting classified data. The contract includes ground systems, five years of operations and sustainment, and an incentive payment for on-time delivery. The Alpha satellites are expected to launch in late 2026. Northrop Grumman has now won orders for a total of 132 satellites for the Transport and Tracking Layers of the SDA's network.
Redwire plans to demonstrate a machine-vision camera, developed by Deep Space Systems, as a security camera for military satellites. The camera will be updated with space-tracking algorithms to serve as a surveillance camera for satellites. The company is pitching this technology to the military as a security camera that could be installed on satellites to monitor potential hazards. The camera paired with ExoAnalytic’s software, a product Redwire named Cerebro, would give satellite manufacturers the option to replace star trackers and just use two cameras to provide 360-degree local proximity awareness and attitude control.
SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 10 military satellites for the Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The new system aims to speed up the process of ordering and launching spacecraft to become more agile. The satellites will move data, such as targeting information from troops in the field to centers around the world and back to weapon systems, and provide advanced missile detection. The system will be fielded using a spiral approach, with delivery of the Tranche 1 satellites expected to begin in September 2024 and involve 11 launches of the tracking and transport craft.
SpaceX is set to launch a new generation of military satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base aboard a Falcon 9 rocket for a mission that also includes the first-stage booster's return to the Central Coast. The rocket will carry a payload for the Space Development Agency, which works to quickly deliver space-based capabilities to warfighters with an eye toward speed and lower costs for an acquisition process that typically takes years. The rocket will reportedly carry multiple satellites under the recently renamed "Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture" or PWSA, formerly known as the "National Defense Space Architecture."