DARPA
DARPA to launch DoD’s first in-space manufacturing research program
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in a new program will explore options to conduct biomanufacturing in space, using biological systems like microbes to construct materials for use in orbital operations.
Northrop Grumman to launch new satellite-servicing robot aimed at commercial and government market
Northrop Grumman in 2024 plans to launch a new servicing vehicle equipped with a robotic arm that will install propulsion jet packs on dying satellites.
DARPA seeking satellite laser terminals that can talk to any space network
DARPA is asking for ideas on how to make optical inter-satellite links that can connect government and commercial space communications systems in low Earth orbit.
DARPA awards Lockheed Martin $25 million contract modification for integration of Blackjack satellites
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency increased Lockheed Martin’s contract for satellite integration work for the Blackjack program by $25.3 million.
ExoTerra to provide Blackjack satellite thrusters
Blue Canyon Technologies selected ExoTerra Resources to provide electric propulsion for the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency’s Blackjack Phase 2 and Phase 3 satellites.
Global microelectronic shortages trickle down to military satellite programs
Defense Department satellite programs are feeling the effects of the widespread microchip shortage that has stymied carmakers and consumer electronic manufacturers.
Space Force sees ‘advantages and opportunities’ in nuclear-powered space missions
Space vehicles powered by small nuclear reactors could be used for military missions in deep space, the vice chief of the U.S. Space Force said July 28.
NASA issues contracts for nuclear thermal propulsion studies
NASA has selected three teams of companies to perform concept studies of nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) reactors while making plans to fund similar studies for nuclear surface power systems.
Space Development Agency to launch five satellites aboard SpaceX rideshare
The U.S. Space Development Agency has five satellites riding on SpaceX’s Transporter-2 mission scheduled to launch June 25.
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.
Op-ed | America’s future in space is nuclear
Today, we have a unique opportunity to make the entire solar system — including the strategically vital region of space surrounding the Earth and the moon — more accessible.
Northrop Grumman to supply navigation payloads for DARPA’s Blackjack satellites
DARPA awarded Northrop Grumman a $13.3 million contract to provide positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) payloads for the Blackjack program.
Lockheed Martin wins $27 million contract modification for integration of DARPA’s Blackjack satellites
DARPA announced it has increased Lockheed Martin’s contract for satellite integration work for the Blackjack program by $27.3 million.
DARPA selects Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin to develop spacecraft for nuclear propulsion demo
DARPA selected Blue Origin and Lockheed Martin to develop competing spacecraft concepts for a demonstration of nuclear thermal propulsion.
General Atomics wins DARPA contract to develop nuclear reactor to power missions to the moon
DARPA awarded a $22 million contract to General Atomics to design a small nuclear reactor for space propulsion.
Veteran scientist Stefanie Tompkins takes the helm at DARPA
Stefanie Tompkins on March 15 assumed the top post at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
SEAKR wins $60 million DARPA contract to demonstrate autonomous satellite operations
DARPA awarded SEAKR Engineering a $60.4 million contract to develop a data processing system for satellites to operate autonomously.
DARPA orders six satellites from Blue Canyon Technologies for Blackjack program
Blue Canyon has received a contract option worth $26.5 million to produce six satellites for DARPA's Blackjack program.
DoD space agency launching experiments in preparation for 2022 satellite deployments
SDA and DARPA small spacecraft equipped with optical crosslinks will fly to orbit in SpaceX's next rideshare mission Transporter-2.
DARPA to survey private sector capabilities to build factories on the moon
DARPA is looking to develop materials, processes and designs needed for in-space manufacturing of large structures.
