Innovation
The Space Force faces growing pains. Here’s how the next chief can help.
Doubling the service from roughly 10,000 to 20,000 military members by 2030 is not a trivial matter. Here are a few options the next service chief should consider.
Space Force Picks 15 Firms to Build Test and Training Infrastructure
The Space Force chose 15 companies to compete to build out its advanced live and simulated test and training range—a high priority for service officials who say they lack the equipment and infrastructure to prepare Guardians to operate in an increasingly contested space environment.
Redwire to fly dedicated Starfall mission for microgravity research
A Redwire subsidiary working on space biotech and pharmaceutical applications has signed an agreement to fly microgravity research payloads on SpaceX’s Starfall reentry vehicle.
Space Microgravity Development, or SpaceMD, a subsidiary of Redwire, announced Aug. 6 it purchased a dedicated Starfall mission scheduled to launch in late 2028. Starfall is SpaceX’s reentry vehicle that made its first test flight in June.
The confidence deficit in space
Satellite operators make decisions based on the quality and confidence of orbital data they receive. But new research indicates that such data must be improved in order for space safety and security to be effective, argues Dan Oltrogge.
Technology
Space Force Awards Three New Vendors for Sensing, Targeting Tech
The Space Force announced $615 million in contracts to three vendors to mature space-based sensing and targeting capabilities in an effort to diversify its contractor base and accelerate technology development.
Blue Origin traces origin of huge New Glenn rocket explosion to oxygen valve, CEO says
"The anomaly originated at the main oxygen valve on one of the BE-4 engines."
Launch
SpaceX wins $1.6B to launch Space Force 'sensing and targeting' sats
The SpaceX task order is the first to be awarded since the Space Force's July 17 massive $11.4 billion plus-up to the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 contract vehicle ceiling.
Rocket Lab launches Japanese Earth-observing satellite after 5-week delay
The company first tried to launch the mission, called "The Grain Goddess Provides," on June 30.
Chinese launch startup Orienspace targets IPO, secures funding for reusable Gravity-2 rocket
Commercial launch company Orienspace has kicked off preparations for an IPO coaching process while closing a funding round for accelerating its reusable Gravity-2 rocket.
The Shandong-based company, formally known as Orienspace (Shandong) Technology Co., Ltd., announced the pre-C round worth several hundred million yuan (100 million yuan = $14.8 million) Aug. 5, with participation from investors including Vertex Capital, Shanghai STVC, AVIC Honghua, and Yuanyou Ruize.
Startups
Endeavor Optical Networks Emerges from Stealth
A new startup wants to move intercontinental data off the seabed, and into orbit.
Endeavor Optical Networks (EON) emerged from stealth on Tuesday, announcing $10.8M in seed funding co-led by General Catalyst and Andreessen Horowitz. The company is aiming to build a constellation of optical communications satellites in MEO to provide a cheaper, more resilient alternative to subsea cables.