U.S. Space Force switches rockets for upcoming GPS satellite launchThe change will allow the U.S. Space Force to expedite the process of building out its GPS constellation in medium Earth orbit. The launch date for the next satellite, GPS III Space Vehicle 09, could be within weeks.
Space Force wants competition. Satellite makers want stability.Behind the rhetoric about competition and innovation, not everyone is convinced SDA’s approach is a win-win The post Space Force wants competition. Satellite makers want stability. appeared first on SpaceNews.
The Space Force will acquire and integrate systems faster in 2026At the beginning of 2026, it’s worth reflecting on the U.S. Space Force’s recent accomplishments. They include the creation of the Commercial Space Office and its Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve, a working capital fund to provide flexibility in providing MILSATCOM services and new acquisition approaches for Resilient GPS and Protected Tactical SATCOM. The list of […] The post The Space Force will acquire and integrate systems faster in 2026 appeared first on SpaceNews.
Medical issue could force early end of Crew-11 ISS missionAn unspecified “medical concern” involving one of the astronauts aboard the International Space Station has postponed a spacewalk and could force an unprecedented early return of part of the crew. The post Medical issue could force early end of Crew-11 ISS mission appeared first on SpaceNews.
Space Force moves to standardize satellites with ‘Handle 2.0’ contractFalcon ExoDynamics wins contract to mature satellite interface developed by Aerospace Corp. The post Space Force moves to standardize satellites with ‘Handle 2.0’ contract appeared first on SpaceNews.
Dept. of the Air Force opens bidding for Space Launch Complex 14 at Vandenberg SFBThe U.S. Space Force aims to attract new launch capabilities for the Western Range to bolster domestic access to space. Responses are due by Feb. 12, 2026.
North Korea tests hypersonic missiles, says nuclear forces ready for warSeoul (AFP) Jan 5, 2026 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-firing of "cutting-edge" hypersonic missiles to ready Pyongyang's nuclear forces for war, state media said Monday. Pyongyang said Sunday's test was made all the more necessary by "recent geopolitical crisis" - a clear nod to this weekend's events in North Korea's socialist ally Venezuela. Seoul and Tokyo said Sunday they had detected the
Space Force begins base network overhaul as cybersecurity demands growThe Department of the Air Force is planning upgrades across 14 Space Force bases under the “Base Infrastructure Modernization” IDIQ contract The post Space Force begins base network overhaul as cybersecurity demands grow appeared first on SpaceNews.
ESA to hire 520 new staff as workforce expansion begins in 2026MILAN — The European Space Agency announced plans to hire approximately 520 new staff members starting in 2026, following decisions approved at ESA’s 342nd Council meeting earlier this month. The recruitment will result in a net increase of about 400 staff, alongside the replacement of roughly 120 positions due to retirements. The move will bring […] The post ESA to hire 520 new staff as workforce expansion begins in 2026 appeared first on SpaceNews.
Congress’s SBIR standoff is slowing Space Force innovation — it must act nowAt a time when space is unmistakably a contested warfighting domain, the United States risks slowing its own progress not because of a lack of technology or talent, but because Congress has failed to act on renewing authority for critical small business innovation funding. Senior Space Force acquisition officials have publicly warned that the lapse […] The post Congress’s SBIR standoff is slowing Space Force innovation — it must act now appeared first on SpaceNews.
How the Space Force trains Guardians for the future of warfareIn this episode of Space Minds, host Sandra Erwin sits down with former NASA astronaut and Space Force leader Brig. Gen. Nick Hague for a wide-ranging conversation on how the U.S. Space Force is shaping its culture, training Guardians, and preparing for future conflict in space. The post How the Space Force trains Guardians for the future of warfare appeared first on SpaceNews.
Space Force uses AI challenge to push everyday use of artificial intelligenceSenior leaders emphasize internal expertise and hands-on experimentation The post Space Force uses AI challenge to push everyday use of artificial intelligence appeared first on SpaceNews.
Why the Space Force says 2025 changes everythingIn this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss sits down with Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, one of the U.S. Space Force’s most influential acquisition leaders and recipient of the SpaceNews Icon Award for Military Space Achievement. The post Why the Space Force says 2025 changes everything appeared first on SpaceNews.
Space Force Association unveils virtual ‘National Spacepower Center’ for education and wargamingThe initiative aims to educate policy makers on space as a warfighting domain The post Space Force Association unveils virtual ‘National Spacepower Center’ for education and wargaming appeared first on SpaceNews.
Space Force rolls out new naming scheme for satellites and space weaponsGen. Chance Saltzman unveils a taxonomy linking system names to mission areas, echoing legacy traditions across the military The post Space Force rolls out new naming scheme for satellites and space weapons appeared first on SpaceNews.
U.S. Air Force Secretary warns China’s space gains are driven by more than copyingTroy Meink says Beijing is innovating, not merely reverse-engineering U.S. systems The post U.S. Air Force Secretary warns China’s space gains are driven by more than copying appeared first on SpaceNews.
Blue Origin targets four-flight campaign for New Glenn’s path to Space Force certificationLt. Gen. Phil Garrant, who leads the Space Systems Command, said Blue Origin selected the four-flight benchmark and the government agreed The post Blue Origin targets four-flight campaign for New Glenn’s path to Space Force certification appeared first on SpaceNews.
Benchmark demonstrates high-throughput ASCENT thruster in hotfire testing at Edwards Air Force BaseSAN FRANCISCO – Benchmark Space Systems’ ASCENT-fueled Macaw thruster performed a 10-minute continuous burn, clearing the way for an on-orbit application of the propulsion technology, the company announced Dec. 10. “Because ASCENT has 50% greater impulse density than other monopropellants, mission planners and spacecraft designers can get the similar delta-v [change in velocity] with less […] The post Benchmark demonstrates high-throughput ASCENT thruster in hotfire testing at Edwards Air Force Base appeared first on SpaceNews.
Space Force top buyer says rapid commercial innovation is reshaping military space strategySpeaking at the 2025 SpaceNews Icon Awards, Purdy said the pace of progress outside government is setting the agenda for how the service develops technology. The post Space Force top buyer says rapid commercial innovation is reshaping military space strategy appeared first on SpaceNews.
Iridium wins five year US Space Force contract to upgrade EMSS infrastructureLos Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 03, 2025 Iridium Communications Inc. has secured a five year indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract from the US Space Force Space Systems Command Commercial Space Office worth up to 85.8 million dollars. The System Infrastructure Transformation and Hybridization contract covers technology refreshes, lifecycle upgrades, and security improvements for the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Servic




















