Illustration of space-based missile defense Credit: Space Systems Command By Sandra Erwin, Published by Space News, 23 April 2026 The contract is to demonstrate space-based data links using the Link-182 standard that will support Golden Dome WASHINGTON — The Space Systems Command, the U.S. Space Force’s acquisition arm, awarded SpaceX
GPS ground antenna at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. Credit: US Air Force By Stephen Clark, Published by Ars Technica, 21 April 2026 Problems with the ground system would have “put current GPS military and civilian capabilities at risk.” The Pentagon has canceled a ground control system for the US
Artist illustration showing how network and satellite data can be exchanged in space. Courtesy of NASA By Courtney Albon, Published by Air and Space Forces, 16 April 2026 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—The Space Force has selected an initial pool of vendors that will compete to build sensors and satellites that track
Lockheed Martin's new ASPIN adaptor provides an electrical and a data interface, and a docking mechanism for a servicing vehicle. (Graphic: Lockheed Martin) By Theresa Hitchens, Published by Breaking Defense, 16 April 2026 The service's new Objective Force plan calls for demonstrating on-orbit refueling and fielding operational "space tugs" by
By Theresa Hitchens, Published by Breaking Defense, 15 April 2026 The Space Force's projections of its needs for orbital warfare and electronic warfare are only included in the classified version of the new Objective Force plan, but Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman confirmed that the service wants new
US President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House on May 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump announced his plans for the "Golden Dome," a national ballistic and cruise missile defense system. (Alex Brandon/The Associated Press) By Ashley Roque, Published by Breaking Defense, 15 April
By Thomas Novelly, Published by Defense One, 15 April 2026 Officials speculate there could be 30,000 US satellites—more than twice as many as today. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The next 15 years will likely see potential adversaries crank up their space and counter-space capabilities, so the Space Force needs more
Illustration of BAE Systems' Ascent spacecraft. By Sandra Erwin, Published by Space News, 14 April 2026 BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin are developing maneuvering satellites that can be refueled COLORADO SPRINGS — U.S. defense contractors BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin are accelerating internal investments in maneuverable satellite designs, betting that military
