Space

‘No silver bullet:’ Military will need multiple systems to back up GPS

‘No silver bullet:’ Military will need multiple systems to back up GPS
‘No silver bullet:’ Military will need multiple systems to back up GPS

Each technique available now or in the foreseeable future for what is known as alt-PNT comes with a need to make size, weight, power and cost trade-offs based on what type of platform is being used, according to experts.

HASC adds Virginia-class sub, cuts F-35s in $849.8 billion draft defense policy bill

HASC adds Virginia-class sub, cuts F-35s in $849.8 billion draft defense policy bill
HASC adds Virginia-class sub, cuts F-35s in $849.8 billion draft defense policy bill

The bill sticks to budget caps laid out by the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

Draft House subcommittee NDAA language OKs Pentagon commercial ‘space reserve’ plan

Draft House subcommittee NDAA language OKs Pentagon commercial ‘space reserve’ plan
Draft House subcommittee NDAA language OKs Pentagon commercial ‘space reserve’ plan

The draft FY25 NDAA language would force DoD to create a new pilot project designed to kickstart its nascent plans to create a so-called hybrid space architecture linking national security, commercial, civil and allied satellites into a massive mesh network.

‘Changes’ expected in ISR satellite operations to sort NGA, Space Force roles: White House official

‘Changes’ expected in ISR satellite operations to sort NGA, Space Force roles: White House official
‘Changes’ expected in ISR satellite operations to sort NGA, Space Force roles: White House official

“In the end, what we’re really going to have to figure out here is: what needs to change? Is it policies? Is it authorities? Is it processes? Is it funding? Is it purely just advocacy and communication?” said National Space Council Director Chirag Parikh.

NGA director pushes back at criticisms of agency, touts ‘wetware,’ tradecraft (EXCLUSIVE)

NGA director pushes back at criticisms of agency, touts ‘wetware,’ tradecraft (EXCLUSIVE)
NGA director pushes back at criticisms of agency, touts ‘wetware,’ tradecraft (EXCLUSIVE)

In an exclusive sit down with Breaking Defense, Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth defended his agency’s role in moving commercial and government satellite data to the field in a timely manner.

Air Force acquisition czar delays key milestone for ground moving target satellites

Air Force acquisition czar delays key milestone for ground moving target satellites
Air Force acquisition czar delays key milestone for ground moving target satellites

The delay in the review, however, is not expected to impact the planned delivery schedule, an Air Force spokesperson said. That said, neither the Pentagon nor the NRO has revealed the hoped-for schedule. 

RAAF head announces wingman testing for Ghost Bat drone

RAAF head announces wingman testing for Ghost Bat drone
RAAF head announces wingman testing for Ghost Bat drone

“Our first challenge is to strengthen our workforce, more specifically to address the shortfalls in those specific masteries and experience levels that constrain our capacity to grow,” the chief of the Royal Australian Air Force said.

NRO should concentrate on bigger, badder ‘tripwire’ ISR birds, new report urges

NRO should concentrate on bigger, badder ‘tripwire’ ISR birds, new report urges
NRO should concentrate on bigger, badder ‘tripwire’ ISR birds, new report urges

Meanwhile, the report says, the Space Force should be in charge of pursuing large networks of small satellites under the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) — differentiating its “tactical ISR” job from the “strategic” mission of NRO.

Space Force gets vote on IC Commercial Space Council

Space Force gets vote on IC Commercial Space Council
Space Force gets vote on IC Commercial Space Council

The status change should give the Space Force more weight in debate about how to share acquisition authority for commercial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Space Force will ‘not support’ delays in ISR, tracking data to shooters: SpOC chief

Space Force will ‘not support’ delays in ISR, tracking data to shooters: SpOC chief
Space Force will ‘not support’ delays in ISR, tracking data to shooters: SpOC chief

Lt. Gen. David Miller, head of Space Operations Command, said the ongoing tussle with the Intelligence Community is like when dogs first meet in a dog park. “The dogs like spend five minutes sniffing each other’s butts. That’s the phase I think we’re in. We just need to get off that,” he said.

Army wants different GPS alternatives for different domains, including commercial tech

Army wants different GPS alternatives for different domains, including commercial tech
Army wants different GPS alternatives for different domains, including commercial tech

“I don’t want to take a very expensive, very, very capable [alternative] PNT system that belongs on, let’s say, a Stryker platform or an Abrams tank or something like that, and … stick it on the robot that is the one that I’m training to take first contact,” Michael Monteleone, head of the Army’s new All-Domain Sensing CFT, explained. 

New details emerge of Russia’s potential nuclear space weapon

New details emerge of Russia’s potential nuclear space weapon
New details emerge of Russia’s potential nuclear space weapon

“The United States has been aware of Russia’s pursuit of this sort of capability dating back years, but only recently have we been able to make a more precise assessment of their progress,” said Mallory Stewart, State Department assistant secretary for the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability.

Leidos nabs $206M bid to update software for NGA analysts

Leidos nabs $206M bid to update software for NGA analysts
Leidos nabs $206M bid to update software for NGA analysts

The new project, called Maru, “will provide the means to replace legacy applications and to integrate modernized exploitation capabilities for the IC, DoD and our international partners,” the NGA spokesperson told Breaking Defense.

Next-Gen OPIR: 2 steps forward, 1 step back for missile warning effort

Next-Gen OPIR: 2 steps forward, 1 step back for missile warning effort
Next-Gen OPIR: 2 steps forward, 1 step back for missile warning effort

The Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared constellation’s first satellite may see its launch pushed back by a year to 2026.