DARPA believes that nuclear-powered propulsion could enable rapid maneuver in space — a capability that is difficult to achieve with current electric and chemical propulsion systems. (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)

Pentagon taps industry for nuclear-powered propulsion for its satellites

By Nathan Strout, Published by C4ISRNET, 10 September 2021 WASHINGTON — The Department of Defense is looking to industry for nuclear-powered propulsion technology to drive its spacecraft, freeing them from the low-energy limitations of current electric and solar-based propulsion systems. Those traditional systems have largely served government space systems well.

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DARPA awards Lockheed Martin $25 million contract modification for integration of Blackjack satellites

By Sandra Erwin, Published by SpaceNews, 7 September, 2021 The technology developed in the Blackjack program also is supporting the Space Development Agency's low Earth orbit constellation WASHINGTON — The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency increased Lockheed Martin’s contract for satellite integration work for the Blackjack program by $25.3 million,

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The Space Force launch enterprise manages the national security space launch program. Seen here is a National Reconnaissance Office satellite launch on a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Credit: ULA

Space Force awards ManTech $476 million contract for launch systems engineering services

By Sandra Erwin, Published by SpaceNews, 7 September, 2021 ManTech since 2010 has been the incumbent contractor for systems engineering and integration in support of the Space Force’s Space Systems Command launch enterprise WASHINGTON —  The U.S. Space Force’s launch enterprise awarded ManTech a $476 million contract to provide systems

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