Aerospace Daily & Defense Report

By Garrett Reim
The Defense Innovation Unit is soliciting an AI-based “Space Threat Intelligence Synthesis Engine” to help it track missiles and other threats in space.
Missile Defense & Weapons

By Steve Trimble
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.
Sensors & Electronic Warfare

By Vivienne Machi
The U.S. Space Force expects to imminently award follow-on contracts for the Resilient-GPS (R-GPS) program.
Satellites

By Robert Wall
Fresh off its inaugural successful orbital mission, Isar Aerospace has secured orders for five dedicated launches from Seops Space.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Brian Everstine
The current structure for U.S. Air Force base defense is simply not enough to protect bases and aircraft. So the service announced it is taking multiple steps to address it.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Irene Klotz
NASA has halted work on the Mars Telecommunications Network contract following a bidder’s protest over the award to Blue Origin.
Budget, Policy & Regulation

By Thierry Dubois
Arianespace is studying how to meet military demand for responsive launch, CEO David Cavailloles said Sept. 15.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Robert Wall
Satellite operators are growing concerned that SpaceX may sunset use of the Falcon 9, adding to a global launcher shortage.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Chen Chuanren
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration has launched a requirement for a vertical takeoff and landing uncrewed aircraft system.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Steve Trimble
A longevity, thrust and fuel efficiency upgrade for the Lockheed Martin F-35 has passed a risk reduction design review milestone, Pratt & Whitney says.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Robert Wall
Concerns over IRIS² deployment timelines have prompted European officials to institute monthly progress reviews for the secure satellite communications system.
Budget, Policy & Regulation

By Robert Wall
German startup Reflex Aerospace plans to launch an RPO satellite next year to position itself for emerging European requirements for such systems.
Operations & Safety

By Robert Wall
Japanese synthetic aperture radar constellation operator Synspective plans to deploy a second constellation through a program that would pool demand and share assets among different users.
Satellites

By Chen Chuanren
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.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Robert Wall
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.
Commercial Space

By Robert Wall
Elveo Mobile aims to launch its direct-to-device service by mid-2028 and is negotiating with launch operators to deploy its low-Earth-orbit systems.
Commercial Space

By Guy Norris
Blended wing body (BWB) developer JetZero is starting upgrade work on the Pratt & Whitney engines that will power its “Jet 1” demonstrator aircraft.
Emerging Technologies

By Robert Wall
Leonardo has signed an agreement to augment its planned space-based intelligence collection capabilities with HawkEye 360’s signals intelligence services.
Satellites

Aviation Week Staff
The Week Ahead In Aerospace & Defense
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Aviation Week Staff
BOEING gets $13.4b ceiling increase for KC-46... HONEYWELL AEROSPACE announces F-35 initiatives... AGILIS AIR announces early funding round...
Aerospace_Daily_departments

By Vivienne Machi
As the Golden Dome’s command-and-control system takes form, senior U.S. military leaders see a key role for artificial intelligence.
Missile Defense & Weapons

By Brian Everstine
The U.S. Air Force expects to power on the first new Air Force One this calendar year ahead of first flight next year.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Brian Everstine
The U.S. Air Force has set a goal to field 1,000 new autonomous aircraft by 2032 along with tens of thousands of low-cost, long-range munitions.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Vivienne Machi
The U.S. has weapons in space, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink announced Sept. 14, without disclosing whether they are kinetic or non-kinetic.
Missile Defense & Weapons

By Steve Trimble
U.S. Air Force special operators confirmed on Sept. 14 that a new low-cost cruise missile launched from a Lockheed Martin AC-130J met operational requirements during a recent test.
Missile Defense & Weapons