Dynamic and Responsive: Space Force Leaders Plan for a New Kind of Operations

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ORLANDO, Fla.— For decades, the Space Force and the Air Force before it have had a tried-and-true method: massive, costly satellites are sent into orbit by launches that have been planned for months. Once there, those satellites mostly stay put in their orbits, preserving as much fuel as possible because, once that fuel is gone, the spacecraft’s service life is over. Now the Space Force is... Read more about Dynamic and Responsive: Space Force Leaders Plan for a New Kind of Operations
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US SPACE FORCE INVITES INNOVATIVE TECH SOLUTIONS TO ANSWER SPACE DOMAIN AWARENESS CAPABILITY NEEDS

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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, Dec. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Catalyst Accelerator, powered by both the Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, and The United States Space Force, is currently seeking US-based small businesses and startups with innovative dual-use technologies that provide commercial capabilities to support Space Domain Awareness. The problem statement this... Read more about US SPACE FORCE INVITES INNOVATIVE TECH SOLUTIONS TO ANSWER SPACE DOMAIN AWARENESS CAPABILITY NEEDS
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US Space Force plans global radar to 'identify emerging threats' in distant Earth orbit

News | | By AFTC editor
The United States, United Kingdom and Australia have signed an agreement to develop a deep space radar capable of keeping an eye on what's happening in geosynchronous orbit. Found around 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above Earth, this region is one of the most distant areas in which satellites operate. Interestingly, each spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit always hovers over the same area of... Read more about US Space Force plans global radar to 'identify emerging threats' in distant Earth orbit

Space Development Agency issues first solicitation for experimental ‘fire-control’ satellites

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The Space Development Agency has officially begun soliciting industry bids for a new prototype constellation of satellites that will test next-generation missile tracking and fire-control technologies to address new threats. According to a request for proposals posted to Sam.gov on Friday, the agency is looking for the “design, fabrication and launch” of four experimental satellites — or... Read more about Space Development Agency issues first solicitation for experimental ‘fire-control’ satellites
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US Air Force to Organize Space Medical Research Group

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The US Air Force will launch a new military research working group focusing on defense space-linked medical research gaps. The Clinical and Operational Space Medicine Innovation Consortium (COSMIC) will be established as a committee combining performance and health research capabilities through the expertise of participating organizations. Work under the future COSMIC programs will be led by the... Read more about US Air Force to Organize Space Medical Research Group
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Signal: X-Bow Systems nets funding for hypersonic development

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US-based hypersonics systems provider X-Bow Systems announced the close of an interim funding round led by Lockheed Martin Ventures, the venture arm of defence prime Lockheed Martin, in a boost to its solid motor rocket technology. In a mid-November release by X-Bow Systems, it was stated that investors included, Crosslink Capital, Razor’s Edge Ventures, Balerion Spacen Ventures, Bravo Victor... Read more about Signal: X-Bow Systems nets funding for hypersonic development
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Space Force funds 3 projects from second annual ‘Fight Tonight’ innovation competition

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The Space Force announced Tuesday that it will allocate money in 2024 towards three ideas for new capabilities that were proposed by employees of the service’s acquisition arm — including an interface that enables data-sharing between the Space Force and international allies. The proposals were submitted to Space Systems Command’s (SSC) second annual “Fight Tonight” competition, which calls for... Read more about Space Force funds 3 projects from second annual ‘Fight Tonight’ innovation competition
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Stratolaunch completes fuelled taxi test ahead of first hypersonic flight

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US hypersonic development firm Stratolaunch has taken another step toward the first powered flight of its TalonA vehicle. The Mojave, California-based company on 21 November completed taxi testing of its two-aircraft, “captive carry” hypersonic flight system, for the first time with the TalonA loaded with live propellant. Stratolaunch confirmed the milestone later the same day. “We’re moving... Read more about Stratolaunch completes fuelled taxi test ahead of first hypersonic flight
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Space Force CTIO: AI Will Be ‘Game-Changer’ for Operational Space

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Space Force Chief Technology and Innovation Officer Lisa Costa called artificial intelligence a “game-changer” for the service during a recent Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies’ webinar event , highlighting its potential to enhance USSF’s operational capabilities and affect the global space race, while also acknowledging some of the hurdles still in the way. A common concern for the U.S... Read more about Space Force CTIO: AI Will Be ‘Game-Changer’ for Operational Space
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Air Force Plans RFP for New Tanker in Fiscal 2025, But Is Still Building Its Acquisition Strategy

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The Air Force aims to release a request for proposals for the KC-135 Recapitalization Program —formerly called the “bridge tanker”—in fiscal 2025 but has yet to set an acquisition strategy for the aircraft, waiting for more industry input, a service spokesperson said. Service officials have previously forecast an acquisition strategy to be ready by mid-2024. Responding to queries about the future... Read more about Air Force Plans RFP for New Tanker in Fiscal 2025, But Is Still Building Its Acquisition Strategy
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