Sandra Erwin, SpaceNews – Joint Commercial Operations (JCO), based at Schriever Space Force Base and led by Barbara Golf, is taking on broader responsibilities, including using commercial space systems for battlefield intelligence.
Office of Space Commerce Ready to Turn on Initial Version of Space Traffic Coordination System
Jeff Foust, SpaceNews – In a talk at the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) Conference Sept. 19, Richard DalBello, director of the Office of Space Commerce, said user testing of the initial Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) system will start by the end of the month.
U.S. Space Force Seeks Industry Input on Automating Hybrid Satellite Networks
Sandra Erwin, SpaceNews – The Space Force’s Commercial Satellite Communications Office issued a request for information (RFI) on automated satcom network orchestration, a process that leverages technologies such as artificial intelligence to manage satellite networks as a unified system.
Space Force and Intelligence Agencies Seek to Streamline Satellite Imagery Delivery
Sandra Erwin, SpaceNews – Space Force operators have been assigned to a new “joint mission management center” located at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency campus in Springfield, Virginia, because military leaders are asking for speedier access to images from commercial satellites.
NASA Selects Intuitive Machines for South Pole Lunar Lander Mission
Jeff Foust, SpaceNews – NASA announced that it awarded a task order valued at $116.9 million through its Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program to Intuitive Machines, to deliver a set of payloads to the south polar region of the moon in 2027.
Startups Push to Introduce Metal Propellants for Spacecraft
Garrett Reim, Aviation Week – Several startups are testing electric thrusters that run on metal propellants. The companies say the materials pack a greater punch for their volume and are cheaper and easier to handle than conventional gases.
After Starliner, NASA Has Another Big Human Spaceflight Decision to Make
Eric Berger, Ars Technica – NASA faces two choices with Orion’s heat shield: It can fly Artemis II with a similar heat shield that was used on Artemis I, or the agency can revamp the design and construct a new heat shield, delaying the mission for years.
U.S. Space Force Reshapes Small-Launch Program
Vivienne Machi, Aviation Week – Space Force is shifting the 1970s-era Rocket Systems Launch Program back to its customer-funded roots. Some lawmakers said that the shift could hurt the small-launch market.
Stellar Safeguards: How Organizations Can Protect Space Assets From Cyberthreats
In a new report, Deloitte Center for Government Insights provides cybersecurity recommendations for space organizations across the government and private sector.
NASA Deploys Advanced Composite Solar Sail System in Space
Garrett Reim, Aviation Week – NASA successfully deployed its Advanced Composite Solar Sail System. It uses a novel tubular boom system rolled up inside a cubesat, which fully expands after launch.