DoD

Changes ahead for Space Force procurement organizations
A new senior procurement executive for space programs will oversee the transfer of the Space Development Agency and a restructuring of the Space Systems Command

Biden administration turns focus to space security
At the first meeting of the Biden administration’s National Space Council Dec. 1, Vice President Kamala Harris said a top concern is keeping space safe for military, civilian and commercial operations.

Hyten blasts ‘unbelievably’ slow DoD bureaucracy as China advances space weapons
Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. John Hyten warned that bureaucratic inertia and fear of failing are thwarting innovation in the Department of Defense while China continues to roll out new military and space technologies.

DoD trying to keep China from accessing critical U.S. space technology
Chinese investments in U.S. space startups and use of Chinese software by DoD suppliers are issues of growing concern at the Pentagon, officials said.

Satcom executives see growing military demand for more secure, mobile equipment
The U.S. military is demanding more advanced technologies to protect its tactical communications systems from sophisticated electronic attacks.

DoD a challenging customer for fast-moving satellite broadband industry
Companies that provide low Earth orbit satellite broadband view the U.S. Defense Department as a key customer but are being challenged to make their networks compatible with government ground systems and user terminals.

DoD to extend intelligence agency program that helps track wildfires
The Pentagon announced Sept. 3 it plans to extend a pilot program that provides imagery from satellites, drones, ground sensors and cameras to help track and combat wildfires.

HASC chairman wants updated DoD plan for ‘tactically responsive space launch’
Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) in his version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 directs the Defense Department to submit a plan for how it will use commercial launch vehicles for so-called tactically responsive missions.

More work needed on space stability and security
In the last year, the Defense Department has made progress in responding to the current era of strategic competition, John Hill, who is performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, said Aug. 24 at the 36th Space Symposium here.

Op-ed | Pentagon finally embracing the idea of buying ‘good enough’ space solutions
Private sector advances put the Space Development Agency in a position of strength due to its vision of acquiring capabilities quickly

Biden taps Aerospace Corp.’s John Plumb to run DoD space policy
President Biden has nominated John Plumb to be assistant secretary of defense for space policy, the White House announced July 29.

DoD calls for broader dialogue on space rules of behavior
Guidelines issued by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for responsible space operations should be part of a wider conversation about how to maintain safety and security in space, a senior Pentagon official said July 26.

DIU director Michael Brown withdraws as Pentagon acquisition nominee
President Biden’s pick to serve as undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, Michael Brown, has withdrawn his nomination.

New study calls for ‘national dialogue’ on future environmental satellites
The U.S. government is poised to make large investments in environmental monitoring satellites but these efforts are not well coordinated, says a new report by the Aerospace Corp.

DoD agencies to invest more than $1 billion in low-Earth orbit space technologies
The Biden administration’s defense budget proposal for fiscal year 2022 seeks more than $1.2 billion for military space systems in low-Earth orbit.

After Chinese rocket reentry, DoD calls for countries to ‘behave responsibly’
Less than two days after parts of an uncontrolled Chinese rocket fell into the Indian Ocean, the Pentagon said allowing a large booster to free fall toward Earth is “irresponsible behavior.”

Air Force secretary nominee Kendall well versed in the challenges of space acquisitions
President Biden has picked former top Pentagon acquisition official Frank Kendall to be secretary of the Air Force.

U.S. military’s appetite for information fueling demand for space technology
Demand for space-based capabilities is growing across the U.S. military, said Gen. David Thompson, vice chief of space operations of the U.S. Space Force.

Technology race against China a key concern for Pentagon acquisition nominee
Michael Brown, director of the Defense Innovation Unit, was nominated by President Biden to serve as undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment.

SecDef briefed on military space programs, threats to satellites
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last week received his first high-level briefing on space issues since taking office.