Policy
Spacesuits and Lawsuits Put 2024 Moon Landing in Jeopardy
Two lunar-exploration spacesuits won’t be ready, a new report says, while bid protests have held up work on the lander.
Science & Tech
Hypersonic Missile Defense May Depend on Low Earth Orbit Satellites
Sensors in relatively low orbits may be the best way to spot superfast missiles—but they can’t do the job alone.
Science & Tech
If China and the US Claim the Same Moon-Base Site, Who Wins?
Relatively few craters are attractive, and there’s no consensus about avoiding conflict over them.
Ideas
Sea-Air-Space Conference Wire: Emerging Tech
Tuesday at the Navy League trade show brought a focus on JADC2, drones, and more.
Business
Sea-Air-Space Conference Wire: CNO Slams Defense Manufacturers
The Chief of Naval Operations doesn't hold back on Day 2 of the Navy's League's biggest annual event.
Business
Conference Wire: Sea-Air-Space Opens, No Masks Required
The Navy League's sprawling event was the first big trade show canceled by COVID. Now it returns amid a new coronavirus spike.
Business
Rocket Startup Could Get Huge Boost from Lockheed Martin Buying Aerojet Rocketdyne
Ursa Major is developing a family of rocket engines for commercial and defense customers.
Ideas
China’s Space Program Is More Military Than You Might Think
Proposals for U.S.-Chinese cooperation must proceed carefully.
Science & Tech
Plywood Satellite Cleared for Space Launch
The WISA Woodsat could reduce space debris by using materials that will burn as they fall back into Earth’s atmosphere.
Ideas
Defense One Radio, Ep. 85: Tech Summit, in review
From JADC2 to "tech debt," military officers and experts share their concerns about the future of national security tech policy.
Threats
Another Free-Falling Chinese Rocket Body Hit Earth Last Week
China continues to burn all the fuel in its launches, allowing the used-up rockets to fall back to Earth uncontrolled.
Policy
Experts Assess the Unexplained in Government’s Recent UFO Report
Officials briefed Nextgov on notable inclusions—and what might come next.
Science & Tech
US Will Try Using Lasers to Send Data From Space to Drones
In the first experiment of its kind, military researchers will attempt to link drones to satellites via light.
Defense Systems
Space Force focuses on building a digital workforce
The U.S. Space Force is focusing on building its cadre of super coders amid a workforce boon with more interested applicants than available positions, according to the branch's chief of space operations.
Business
As Space Junk Multiplies, Pentagon Is Stuck Tracking It for Civilians
Private industry is launching at a pace with which the military’s space-surveillance system can’t keep up. Now lawmakers say the Commerce Department’s fix is running late.
Science & Tech
Space Force: Only 6 More Launches With Russian Rocket Engines
It’s the end of an era for U.S. launches with Russian-made engines.
Ideas
Keep Tabs on China’s Growing Space Situational Awareness
As more Chinese satellites reach orbit, Beijing is upgrading its ability to track space debris. But such sensors can be used to destroy as well as protect.
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