The mission is intended to complete certification of the two-stage rocket by the U.S. Space Force for national security missions beginning by year’s end.
As satellite operators turn to smaller, proliferated spacecraft to protect space-based capabilities, industry sees ground stations as a new target for attacks.
The service is taking the Rocket Systems Launch Program back to its customer-funded roots, but small launchers still have routes to work with the government.
U.S. Space Command's Gen. Stephen Whiting supports plans by the U.S. Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command to increase its space personnel and space control.