Space Force
Defense One Radio, Ep. 176: Space Force Gen. Chance Saltzman
Our State of Defense interview series with the general in charge of the military’s space operations.
Space Force may use SpaceX satellites instead of developing its own, senator says
The satellites in question are part of the data transport layer of the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
ULA’s Vulcan cleared for national-security launches
The heavy-lift rocket brings competition to a market dominated by SpaceX.
Space Force plans to put a multisatellite ‘carrier’ into orbit
Gravitics gets an up-to-$60 million contract to build a satellite that can spit out other satellites as needed.
China is practicing ‘dogfighting’ in space, Space Force says
The capability gap between the U.S. and its competitors has “significantly narrowed.”
Service leaders beg for flexibility as full-year continuing resolution looms
Without a new budget—or relief from the strictures of its absence—the military can’t start new projects or pay for the unexpected.
Space Force hopes it gains from Hegseth’s budget shift
Vice chief says service is looking for things to cut—and has suggestions for things to buy.
‘Extremely lean’ Space Force acquisition units brace for Trump’s workforce cuts
Civilian employees make up about a third of the five-year-old service’s personnel.
Air Force, Space Force chiefs make forceful cases for ‘warrior ethos’
The intense speeches were delivered to a less-than-full ballroom due to Trump-administration travel restrictions.
As space becomes more crowded, Space Force turns to AI
The newest service wants to understand where automation can augment—or even replace—humans in monitoring space for threats.
Space Force sets up team to sort out support for ‘Iron Dome’—that is, ‘Golden Dome’
The service will be “central” to the effort to build a next-gen missile shield, Gen. Saltzman says.
Insights & Reports
Uncertainty mounts at Space Development Agency as Air Force IG prepares probe
The unexpected sidelining of its director raises questions about the future of the satellite-acquisition “constructive disruptor.”
Space Force warns industry on cost overruns
The service will convert pricey programs to fixed-price contracts if needed, an official said.
It's time for a new Key West agreement
Airpower, air defense, Marines’ role—all need revisiting, three-quarters of a century after the seminal roles-and-missions pact.
Blue Origin’s rocket reaches orbit on first flight, promising competition for SpaceX
Maiden flight brings reusable heavy-lift New Glenn closer to launching U.S. military and spy satellites.
Trump taps NRO official as Air Force secretary
The move emphasizes the next administration's pro-space agenda.
Outgoing Air Force secretary floats options for 6th-gen jet program
Frank Kendall offers a vision for his department’s future—though NGAD’s fate will be up to the Trump team.
Featured eBooks
The Henry Ford of satellite buses?
LA startup aims to churn out 12 mostly-standard buses a month.
2024 in review: Space Force
The year saw challenges in orbit and on the ground as the young service continued to expand.
