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Magazine Issue

Aerospace Daily & Defense Report, September 16, 2026

VOL. 299 NO. 54 September 16, 2026

Daily Briefs

Briefs logo
article

Daily Briefs

Sep 15, 2026
VULCANFORMS, SPECTER AEROSPACE partner on hypersonic weapons... SES O3b mPOWER constellation complete... New CFO for DRONESHIELD...

In Brief

Daily Briefs
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In Brief: Leonardo Space Guardian Constellation Passes System Design

Sep 15, 2026
Leonardo Space Guardian Constellation Passes System Design

boeing f-47 rendering
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USAF: Boeing F-47 Design Progressing, First Flight On Track

Sep 15, 2026
The U.S. Air Force and Boeing are finalizing the F-47 sixth-generation fighter design, with first flight on track to take place within two years as expected.
shadow
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BAE Launches EW Family For Low-Cost Munitions, Drones

Sep 15, 2026
BAE Systems launched a family of passive radio frequency devices on Sept. 15 in a move that could spread sensing and targeting capabilities to thousands of munitions and drones.
Credit: SpaceX
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SpaceX Sets Sept. 22 For Next Starship Flight Test

Sep 15, 2026
SpaceX is targeting Sept 22 for launch of its first orbital Starship-Super Heavy flight test, with a targeted mission duration of nearly 10 hr.
gps
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Space Force To Award New Resilient-GPS Contracts

Sep 15, 2026
The U.S. Space Force expects to imminently award follow-on contracts for the Resilient-GPS (R-GPS) program.
skor
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South Korea Advances VTOL UAS Requirement, MH-60R Helo Buy

Sep 15, 2026
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration has launched a requirement for a vertical takeoff and landing uncrewed aircraft system.
F135
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F-35 Engine Upgrade Passes Latest Test, Pratt & Whitney Says

Sep 15, 2026
A longevity, thrust and fuel efficiency upgrade for the Lockheed Martin F-35 has passed a risk reduction design review milestone, Pratt & Whitney says.
satellite orbits earth overlooking europe
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Europe Targets Monthly IRIS² Reviews To Meet 2030 Deadline

Sep 15, 2026
Concerns over IRIS² deployment timelines have prompted European officials to institute monthly progress reviews for the secure satellite communications system.
NASA Caption: Mars Telecommunications Orbiter concept art
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NASA Stops Work On Mars Orbiter After Contract Protest

Sep 15, 2026
NASA has halted work on the Mars Telecommunications Network contract following a bidder’s protest over the award to Blue Origin.
Credit: Blue Origin; Credit: Blue Origin gets ready to restack its vehicle access tower.
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Satellite Operators Fret Over Falcon 9 Future As Rivals Focus On Ramp Up

Sep 15, 2026
Satellite operators are growing concerned that SpaceX may sunset use of the Falcon 9, adding to a global launcher shortage.
B-52: USAF
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USAF Modifying More B-52s For Engine, Radar Programs

Sep 15, 2026
The U.S. Air Force will take two B-52s from real-world missions and dedicate them for engine and radar testing as the service boasts the delayed programs recently passed key milestones.
Isar Aerospace
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Seops Space Orders Five Dedicated Launches From Isar Aerospace

Sep 15, 2026
Fresh off its inaugural successful orbital mission, Isar Aerospace has secured orders for five dedicated launches from Seops Space.
Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk
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Japan Searches For Missing Global Hawk

Sep 15, 2026
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force has launched a search for a Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk after losing contact with the uncrewed aircraft over the Sea of Japan on Sept. 15.
ariane6
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Arianespace Mulls Responsive Launch

Sep 15, 2026
Arianespace is studying how to meet military demand for responsive launch, CEO David Cavailloles said Sept. 15.
space based data center rendering
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Space-Based Data Centers Seen Requiring Different Architecture

Sep 15, 2026
The era of space-based computing will need to go through an evolution, with hyperscalers having to rethink their architectures to capitalize on shifting infrastructure to orbit, Planet Chief Strategy Officer Robbie Schingler argued.

The Debrief

FAA
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Waypoint: FAA Technicians Benched In Radar Upgrade

Sep 14, 2026
FAA technicians are sidelined in radar upgrades under BNATCS, raising concerns about training gaps and modernization delays.