Watching hypersonic missiles: US turns to space-based sensors to track threats from orbit

L3Harris will provide technology to support the Accelerated Missile Defense Tranche 3 (AMDT3) mission, designed to accelerate the US ability to defend against emerging threats from hypersonic and ballistic missiles. By Atharva Gosavi, Published by Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026 The satellites will use medium-field-of-view payloads to provide fire control

Read More

SDA Awards Contracts for 36 Golden Dome Missile Tracking Satellites

An artist's depiction of the Pentagon's Golden Dome concept. (Boeing) By Courtney Albon, Published by Air and Space Forces, 13 July 2026 The Space Development Agency announced contracts worth $1.75 billion to build 36 satellites in support of the Pentagon’s Golden Dome missile defense shield. The satellites will be part

Read More

A banner year for military space funding— with an unclear path beyond

One concept for the Golden Dome missile defense system with space-based elements. (credit: Redwire) By Sandra Erwin, Published by Space News, 24 February 2026 Reconciliation boost lifts 2026 totals, but sustainability questions loom for missile defense and Space Development Agency WASHINGTON — Funding for the U.S. Space Force this fiscal

Read More

Space Force Surveys Industry For Refueling Tech

An artist illustration depicts an Orbit Fab on-orbit fuel shuttle, center, as it leaves its fuel station, left, and prepares to dock and refuel a satellite outfitted with the company's Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI) to significantly extend satellite mission life and return on investment versus expensive, inefficient one-and-done

Read More

Space Force buys second Otter spacecraft to power satellites on orbit

Starfish's Otter spacecraft is designed to dock with and service satellites without prior modifications to enable it. (Starfish Space) By Theresa Hitchens, Published by Breaking Defense, 9 February 2026 WASHINGTON — Startup Starfish Space has won a $54.5 million contract to provide the Space Force with a second Otter satellite-servicing

Read More

GAO flags risks in Space Development Agency’s missile-tracking satellite program

Rendering of L3Harris' Tracking Layer Tranche 2 missile-tracking satellites for the Space Development Agency. Credit: L3Harris By Sandra Erwin, Published by Space News, 28 January 2026 Congressional watchdog says SDA is overestimating technology readiness ORLANDO, Fla. — A congressional watchdog is warning that the Pentagon’s ambitious effort to overhaul missile

Read More