Science & Tech

How Space Force wants to use AI

As satellites multiply, "we won't be able to...control all that by humans in real-time," Space Command's deputy chief says.

Policy

Proposed marijuana waivers acknowledge blunt recruiting truths

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle want to remove a barrier to joining the U.S. military.

Science & Tech

China’s Commercial Space Ventures Pose A Variety of Threats, DOD Officials Say

Officials worry China may do for commercial-space capabilities what it did for cheap telecom equipment.

Threats

How the ‘Stormbringers’ are Preparing for War in Space

The Space Force’s orbital warfare unit is teaching its guardians about the “offensive and defensive fires” they might need for conflict.

Business

Space Force Unworried by Predictions of Commercial-Launch Consolidation

There’s “certainly enough capacity,” the service’s No. 2. officer said—though “more is always better.”

Threats

To Escape Bullies, Military ‘Forced to Move’ Families with LGBTQ+ Kids

Harassment of children is "detracting from our readiness," says top Air Force manpower official, "because their school will do nothing when their LGBT kid is being bullied."

Policy

Space Force Hopes to Recoup Costs of Commercial Launches

A law that limits launch fees is under reconsideration as more private companies use government facilities to send rockets skyward.

Business

Space Force Woos New Launch Bidders—But Startups Aren’t Quite Ready

Established giants are likely to win the first contracts awarded under a novel “two-lane” approach.

Business

The Pentagon Is Increasingly Relying on Billionaires’ Rockets. And It’s OK with That.

Space Force leaders say carefully written contracts can prevent things like SpaceX’s about-face on Ukrainian satcomms.

Ideas

Space Symposium Conference Wire 3: Threat Warnings

Day 3 of the conference brought warnings about China and Russia—and of a "subtle complacency" at home.

Policy

Tighten Access to Classified Info, Air Force Secretary Says

As the Pentagon responds to a classified document leak, officials should focus on enforcing “need to know,” according to Frank Kendall.

Threats

Allies Want Space Defenses Too, US Official Says

As friendly countries buy and develop their own satellites, they’re increasingly worried about protecting them, an Air Force leader said.

Business

Space Symposium Conference Wire 1: All About Launches

The country's biggest space-focused conference gets underway in a year that's "all about launches."

Science & Tech

3 Years or Less: Space Force’s 'Simple Formula' for Quicker Launches

“Our competitors seem to have figured out speed. It’s time we do the same,” said the assistant Air Force secretary for space acquisitions and integration.

Threats

Satellite Ground Stations Are Vulnerable, US Warns

The Space Development Agency is beefing up satellite constellations—but keeping an eye on terrestrial attacks.

Threats

Space Force Is Building a Virtual Training Ground for Space Conflict

In an interview, chief of space operations notes China’s efforts to jam and intercept orbiting satellites.

Policy

Air Force Wishlist: Accelerate E-7 Production, Extend F-15EX Range, Buy New Radars for F-16s

The service’s “unfunded priorities” list also includes $1.2 billion for 21 military construction projects.

Threats

Space Force to Spend $340 Million on New Training Infrastructure

The service’s budget proposal also includes $99 million in the next year for updated space launch ranges, and $1 billion more across the next five years.