U.S. Space Force

Muon Space's new manufacturing facility in San Jose, California, has been inaugurated, highlighting the growth of satellite manufacturing in the state despite cost and regulatory challenges. The facility was praised by state, local, and US Space Force representatives. This development indicates a strong industry presence in California.

The Space Force has awarded $615M in contracts for a second batch of aircraft-tracking satellites, building on a previous $4.16B award to SpaceX. The new contracts are part of the SB-AMTI program.

Kreios Space plans to demonstrate air-breathing electric propulsion, while K2 Space has secured a contract with the U.S. Space Force for optical link work. These advancements could significantly impact the future of space technology and military capabilities.

The Space Force will conduct tests of satellite-to-satellite communications via optical laser-light links at K2, a key component of its future missile warning and tracking architecture. This technology is part of the Trump administration's Golden Dome missile defense shield.

The Space Force has chosen 15 companies to compete for building its advanced test and training range. The range will include live and simulated testing capabilities.

Peraton has received a $109.1 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to maintain the Space Weather Analysis and Forecast System. The contract will run through 2033 and is a sole-source acquisition.

The Space Force has awarded K2 Space a $22.9 million contract for an orbital laser communications demonstration. Two K2 satellites will host optical terminals to connect military systems in orbit. This technology aims to enhance communication capabilities between military systems.

Three military leaders who helped develop the nation's early space reconnaissance capabilities toured the Space and Missile Technology Center on Vandenberg Space Force Base. The visit occurred on July 29, 2026. The leaders played a crucial role in forging the country's space reconnaissance capabilities.

The Space Force is creating a $981M pool to buy training capabilities due to a lack of equipment. This move aims to address the shortage of training resources. The funding will be used to acquire necessary tools and systems for Space Force personnel.

Space Delta 12 held a change of command ceremony at Schriever Space Force Base, where Col. Sacha N. Tomlinson relinquished command to Col. Anna Gunn-Golkin. The delta leads the integrated test and evaluation of U.S. Space Force capabilities. The ceremony was presided by Maj. Gen. James E. Smith.

The Space Force Association's National Spacepower Center is creating an unclassified environment to demonstrate threats to satellites and their consequences on Earth. This effort aims to show Congress what war in space looks like. The center's goal is to educate lawmakers about the potential risks and consequences of space warfare.

The F-47 program has begun its engineering and manufacturing phase and will fly in 2028. The Air Force plans to buy at least 185 F-47s, matching the size of the F-22 Raptor fleet it intends to replace.

The Space Force aims to have a usable airborne moving target indicator program by 2028, with further refinements to follow. The program will provide a global targeting capability from space, requiring advancements in sensing, data processing, and orchestration.

The US Space Force has awarded SpaceX a $1.6 billion contract for 18 Falcon 9 launches to deploy sensing and targeting satellites. The contract is part of the Space Force's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program. The launches will carry payloads for the Space Based Sensing and Targeting portfolio and will support military communications and targeting missions.

The Space Force has awarded All Points Logistics a $250 million contract to expand satellite processing facilities at Vandenberg. This is the third contract awarded under a Commercial Solutions Opening to enhance satellite inspection, testing, and preparation capabilities. The contract aims to support the integration of satellites with launch vehicles.

Sphinx Defense has secured a $287 million other transaction authority agreement from the U.S. Space Force to develop ESS mission planning. The award follows two earlier prototyping phases. The project will be discussed at the 2026 Air and Space Summit, which will also explore AI and other topics.

Sphinx Defense has been awarded a $287 million contract for strategic satellite communications software, covering mission planning for next-generation satellites. The contract is part of the Space Force's efforts to develop core mission planning software for its future fleet of nuclear command and control satellites.

The Airbus A400M has been deployed by the French Air and Space Force to fight wildfires in France, marking its first real-world firefighting mission. The aircraft used a roll-on/roll-off firefighting kit to drop fire retardant over the affected areas. This deployment showcases the A400M's versatility and capability in supporting disaster relief efforts.

The US Army, Navy, and Space Force have conducted a maritime test of the Hammer of the Gods system to counter GPS disruption in contested operations. The test was part of Project Convergence Capstone 6. This system aims to provide a solution for GPS-denied environments.

The US Army, Navy, and Space Force have conducted a sea trial of the Hammer of the Gods electronic warfare system. The test marked the first time the maritime version of the system was put through its paces. The system is expected to have a significant impact on the military's electronic warfare capabilities.

Rocket Lab has been awarded a $266 million contract by the US Space Force for up to 18 suborbital launches to support missile defense development. The launches will take place from a new facility in Alaska, with the majority of the missions occurring over the next three years. This contract marks the largest single launch agreement secured by Rocket Lab to date.

The US Army Futures and Concepts Command is driving the Army's transformation through persistent experimentation, including Project Convergence-Capstone 6. The command is the architect of the future Army, spearheading the Project Convergence experimentation campaign.

The Space Force is conducting experiments to broaden its satellite communication mission and is seeking commercial satellites to demonstrate a hybrid architecture. The goal is to test the viability of using commercial bandwidth in medium-Earth orbit. This effort aims to enhance the Space Force's communication capabilities.

Space Delta 10 conducted a wargame to improve defense of the space domain, linking with players from across the joint force. The Chalkydri IV battle management wargame aimed to enhance space battle management capabilities.

Canadian Consul General Sylvie Bédard visited Vandenberg Space Force Base to observe launch operations and reinforce US-Canada commitment to advancing security and cooperation in space. The visit aimed to strengthen partnerships between the two countries in the space domain.

A robotic servicing mission has launched into orbit to extend the life of satellites in geosynchronous orbit. The mission uses a robotic spacecraft with on-orbit servicing capabilities. Multiple launches have been reported, including a SpaceX launch with a satellite repair drone featuring 10-foot robotic arms.

The US Space Force has sworn in its first batch of part-time workers, consisting of 18 space-experienced Air Force reservists. These reservists will serve as part-time guardians, marking a new development in the Space Force's personnel structure. This move aims to leverage the skills and experience of Air Force reservists to support the Space Force's mission.

The Space Force has increased the maximum value of the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 contract from $5.6 billion to $17 billion. This change reflects rising demand for space launch services. The contract is a key part of the Space Force's efforts to secure reliable access to space.

The Space Force has increased the maximum value of the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 contract from $5.6 billion to $17 billion. This change is in response to rising demand for launch services. The contract is a key part of the Space Force's efforts to secure reliable access to space.

France's Air and Space Force is launching its sixth major long-range air power deployment, PEGASE 26, in September 2026. The mission will send four Rafale fighter jets to three strategic regions: the Arctic, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East. The deployment aims to demonstrate France's global air power capabilities.

Space Delta 10, responsible for space wargaming and doctrine development, held a change of command ceremony where Col. Leah Shubin took command from Col. Shannon DaSilva. The ceremony was attended by Guardians, families, and senior leaders at Patrick Space Force Base.

The US Space Force has transferred 18 space-experienced Air Force Reservists into part-time work roles, marking a milestone in military talent management modernization. These individuals are the first-ever Guardians to serve on non-sustained duty. This move is part of the Space Force's efforts to modernize its workforce.

Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess is expected to be confirmed as the next Space Force chief, with a low-key hearing and non-controversial nomination. Sen. Angus King praised Schiess's nomination, citing the low turnout at the hearing as a compliment.

Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, the nominee to lead the US Space Force, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee to defend a plan to more than double the Space Force's budget. The plan is part of the Space Force's efforts to expand its capabilities. The hearing was held on July 16.

The Space Force has issued a draft RFP and RFI for its payload processing management effort, with comments due August 6. A final RFP is expected in early fiscal year 2027. The effort is part of the Space Systems Command's NSSL Enterprise initiative.

The Space Force has awarded Slingshot a $69 million contract for AI-enabled training technology. The 4½-year award will fund simulated satellite-defense scenarios. This technology aims to enhance training for satellite defense operations.

Gen. Chance Saltzman, in his final public speech as Space Force chief, emphasized the need for combat credibility and stronger alliances to prepare for potential war in space. He also highlighted the importance of realism about procurement reform limits. The speech underscores the growing concern about space becoming a contested domain.

The Space Force is offering a $25,000 bonus to new recruits under certain conditions. This move aims to attract talented individuals to the newly formed branch of the military. The bonus is likely intended to incentivize recruits to join the Space Force and meet its unique personnel needs.

The Pentagon's nominee to lead space acquisition discussed the military's legacy space programs and their compatibility with modern acquisition reforms. This conversation occurred during a questioning session with Senators. The nominee acknowledged that legacy programs were not built for the current reforms reshaping the Space Force.

The NRO Director Nominee discusses the evolving relationship between the National Reconnaissance Office and the Space Force, particularly in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance programs. The Space Force is taking more ownership of these efforts, which the nominee sees as a positive development. The partnership has been key to getting these programs started.