Operators need to combine SSA data from multiple sources in order to get a level of accuracy high enough to make useful decisions on whether to maneuver to avoid potential collisions. Credit: AGI

Satellite operators need more accurate SSA data

By Jeff Foust, Published by SpaceNews, 16 September 2021 WAILEA, Hawaii — Space situational awareness data used by satellite operators isn’t accurate enough to support the decisions they need to make on whether and how to maneuver their spacecraft to avoid potential collisions. In a paper presented at the Advanced

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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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