Aerospace Daily & Defense Report

The researchers say studying and training a machine learning program on the environment ahead of time allows space robots to use their limited computational resources more effectively.

Muon Space will harness its multispectral imaging payload for the Space Development Agency’s missile warning/missile tracking constellation.

Jeh Aerospace is leveraging digital technology to ramp up manufacturing capacity, aiming to alleviate supply chain bottlenecks.

The 18-ft.-dia. fairing, which opens and closes like a clamshell, is now en route to Neutron’s launch site on Wallops Island, Virginia.

The Bangladesh Air Force has signed a letter of intent with Italy’s Leonardo in a first step toward buying the Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft.

Europe expects to declare the Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS) operational in 2026, missing a goal for the signal to be declared ready before the end of this year.

Boom Supersonic is developing an industrial gas turbine version of its Symphony turbofan to power AI data centers which will fund its Mach 1.7 Overture airliner.

AST SpaceMobile says it is targeting up to 13 launches next year to build out its satellite communications constellation.

Russia's Soyuz MS-27 made a successful parachute-assisted landing in remote Kazakhstan early Dec. 9, safely returning three crewmembers from the ISS.

Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force have conducted the first air-to-air live-fire test of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, with the CCA firing an AIM-120 Amraam.

The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee reported favorably on the renomination of Jared Isaacman to become NASA administrator late Dec. 8.

Selected U.S. military contracts from the past week.

News in brief.

LOCKHEED gets $1.14b F-35 award... SWEDISH SPACE CORP. to rebrand... New CFO for TERRAN ORBITAL...

The U.S. Space Force will not award a second contract to build a future missile warning and tracking constellation in medium Earth orbit until fiscal 2027.

Lockheed Martin has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hadrian to help increase production of parts for several missile systems.

Boeing and Airbus announced the long-sought finalization of their complex splitting-up of Spirit AeroSystems on Dec. 8.

The U.S. Space Force is seeking prototype proposals for space-based interceptors.

Taiwan's Thunder Tiger plans to participate in the U.S. Army’s Drone Dominance program.

Lawmakers in the compromise fiscal 2026 defense policy bill are authorizing an increase to the Pentagon’s budget beyond the White House’s request.

While Beijing is criticizing the U.S. pursuit of space-based interceptors as reckless, China’s academic institutions are quietly researching similar concepts.

The much-anticipated first flight of the Boeing MQ-25 Stingray for the U.S. Navy has been pushed to early 2026.

GKN Aerospace Norway and Norwegian Catapult Manufacturing Technology in Kongsberg have signed an agreement.

A lunar-orbiting, human-tended Gateway space station could provide an asset for establishing an efficient Mars exploration strategy, a longtime proponent says.

Canada’s Defense Investment Agency will manage acquisitions of AEW aircraft, ground-based surveillance radars and air transport fleet upgrades.