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.
America’s Space Force is Preparing for the Risk of War
Warren P. Strobel and Brett Forest, The Wall Street Journal – As China and Russia sharpen their anti-satellite weapons to challenge U.S. superiority in space, the Pentagon is preparing for orbital warfare.
SpaceX launches third batch of satellites for NRO’s proliferated constellation
WASHINGTON — A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Sept. 5 launched the NROL-113 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office.
Ensured SATCOM, GPS Alternatives Tops Among Space Force Budget Wishes
Theresa Hitchens, Breaking Defense – Citing ever-growing threats from China and Russia, Gen. Michael Guetlein told the Defense News conference that the service requires additional resources.
Aerospace champions spirit of innovation at SmallSat 2024
Aerospace leaders and experts discuss how advancements in smallsat capabilities continue to expand imaginative possibilities for the future of space.
Guetlein Outlines U.S. Space Force Vision for ‘Allied by Design’ Space Systems
Sandra Erwin, SpaceNews – At the AFCEA-INSA Intelligence and National Security Summit, Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein highlighted the Space Force’s position as the smallest service with the largest area of responsibility, at a time when the complexities of space security demand a collaborative, global approach.
NATO Signs First Contract for Its Largest Space Program Ever
Air and Space Forces Magazine – NATO and satellite imagery firm Planet Labs have signed a contract for a “virtual” constellation of surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance space assets—the latest sign of NATO’s growing reliance on commercial space capabilities.
The New Generation of Heavy Lift Rockets is Rising to Challenge SpaceX
Aria Alamalhodaei, TechCrunch – As the global appetite for orbital launches continues to grow, the competition among new and old space companies to build bigger and better launch vehicles is firing up, including: ULA’s Vulcan, ESA’s Ariane 6, and Relativity Space’s Terran R.
Space Junk: Chinese Rocket Breakup Increases Debris Dangers for Astronauts and Spacecraft
Rick Neale, Florida Today – The upper stage of China’s Long March 6A rocket broke apart in orbit, generating a dangerous debris cloud of 500-700 or more fragments.
Supreme Court Case Could Affect Orbital Debris Mitigation Rules
Jeff Foust, SpaceNews – A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling could upend efforts by the FCC to enforce more stringent orbital debris regulations. No company has publicly expressed interested in taking the FCC to court to overturn orbital debris regulations.