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
By Sandra Erwin, Published by Space News, 14 April 2026 Gen. Stephen Whiting calls for a shift from fixed spacecraft to maneuverable assets, with wargames planned to test the concept COLORADO SPRINGS — The U.S. military’s top space commander is pressing for a fundamental shift in how the Pentagon thinks
Perched atop a Hawaiian volcano, the telescopes of U.S. Space Force's Maui Space Surveillance Complex provide a clear view of passing satellites. Jennifer Hlad / Defense One Published by U.S. Space Force Combat Forces Command Public Affairs, 14 April 2026 MAUI, Hawaii -- The U.S. Space Force’s scanning of earth’s
