U.S. Space Force

As Blue Origin races to close the gap on SpaceX, a huge explosion on the launchpad has dealt the company a significant setback. Editors discuss how Blue will respond and implications for the broader launch market.

Lockheed Martin is ready to begin production of the future interceptor, with design review and full test expected this year.

Impulse Space, an orbital transfer vehicle and rocket motor developer, has raised a $500 million Series D to fund expansion of its manufacturing capacity.

Northrop Grumman has enlisted satellite bus manufacturer Apex to support its space-based interceptor contract with the U.S. Space Force.

K2 Space says it expects to see at least 36 satellites being built in 2028 as the company scales up its production plans.

The U.S. Space Force has tapped Blue Origin to support a National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) launch as early as late 2027.

The U.S. Space Force’s plans to procure new commercially derived satellite communications (satcom) spacecraft and services have been extended.

The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $4.16 billion contract to stand up an initial space-based air moving target indication (AMTI) constellation by 2028.

Blue Origin had hoped for a quick turnaround between the problematic third flight of its New Glenn heavy-lift launcher and flight four.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

The U.S. Space Force awarded Observable Space a $22 million award for mobile, off-grid robotic telescopes.

The Space Development Agency appears closer to disassembly than ever before.

House authorizers want the Pentagon to designate a point person to oversee the Defense Department-wide position, navigation and timing (PNT) enterprise.

The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a new contract for the Space Data Network Backbone program.

The U.S. Space Force expects to launch two prototype spacecraft next year as it looks toward the next generation of anti-jam satellite communications.

The U.S. Space Force has awarded Rocket Lab a contract to build two space domain awareness spacecraft bound for geostationary orbit.

Space Force leaders say space control, launch capacity and orbital warfare training top the service’s fiscal 2027 investment priorities.

U.S. Space Force advances on-orbit logistics with $20M challenge and dual demonstrations to assess commercial refueling and servicing capabilities.

Gurpartap Sandhoo has assumed permanent leadership of the U.S. Space Development Agency and the Space Force’s portfolio acquisition executive for missile warning and tracking.

The U.S. Space Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a $398 million contract to develop and build the Enhanced Protected Tactical Satellite Communications-Prototype (PTS-P).

A U.S. Space Force-led on-orbit refueling demonstration is now slated for next year.

SkyFi secures SOCOM contract to develop imagery tools for troops and explores Asia-Pacific partnerships for sovereign intelligence and shared imagery platforms.

The stand-up and operation of a notional Golden Dome missile defense architecture would cost about $1.2 trillion over the next 20 years, the Congressional Budget Office says in a new report.

AST SpaceMobile plans satellite launches with Blue Origin and SpaceX, aiming to expand its constellation and integrate AI tools for better performance.

Aviation Week editors discuss how space control is front and center for the U.S. Space Force, allied services and adversaries.