SpaceNews — The overhaul aims to provide resilient, high-throughput connectivity across all 14 U.S. Space Force bases. “This modernization effort will upgrade both classified and unclassified network infrastructure,” the Air Force said, including the use of zero trust security architectures and support for cloud-based applications.

Ars Technica — “Sooner or later, we’re gonna see bad things happening here,” said Aerospace’s John Langer. The U.S. Space Force’s SpaceWerx organization, the FAA, and the Defense Innovation Unit are running challenges to support alternative technologies.

Air and Space Forces Magazine — Space Systems Command has been working with CFC and Space Training and Readiness Command to expand its cyber digital operational environment. The U.S. Spacer Force is also getting closer to building a physical range, the National Space Test and Training Complex.

Aviation Week — United Launch Alliance (ULA) President and CEO Tory Bruno is joining Blue Origin as its new president of national security. Bruno will report to Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp in the new role.

Via Satellite — Joe Touch, principal scientist in Aerospace’s Information Systems and Cyber Division, participated in a panel to discuss what quantum computing could accomplish in space, if these powerful systems are able to survive the harsh environment.

Air and Space Forces Magazine — The Space Force’s work to establish a pool of at-the-ready commercial satellite capacity during a crisis is moving out of the pilot phase as the service prepares to award its next batch of contracts in 2026. Participating companies get access to threat intelligence and will be included in training events and wargames.

Air and Space Forces Magazine — A White House executive order, “Ensuring American Space Superiority,” calls for a 2028 deadline for NASA astronauts to return to the Moon; calls for U.S. space agencies to embrace technologies like nuclear propulsion; and pledges to attract at least $50 billion in additional investment to U.S. space markets over the next two years.

Via Satellite — During the recent Spacepower event, Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, Deputy Chief of Space Operations, described a new threat environment where the U.S. Space Force has to consider threats like hypersonics, fractional orbital vehicles, and direct ascent anti-satellite weapons. This evolved threat environment requires more resilient defenses.

The Dec. 22 episode of T-Minus podcast discussed DiskSat, the U.S. Space Force awarding Rocket Lab an $816 million prime contract, and the Space Development Agency making multiple awards to build 72 Tracking Layer satellites for Tranche 3.

SpaceNews — New NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said he wants the agency to move faster on key programs such as Artemis but acknowledged he needs time to get up to speed on NASA’s activities.