Tag: U.S. Space Force
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U.S. Space Force awards $13.7 billion in new national security launch contracts to Blue Origin, SpaceX and ULA
Blue Origin’s New Glenn, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and ULA’s Vulcan rockets launch from their respective pads. Image: Blue Origin, SpaceX, United Launch Alliance A long-awaited launch contract for national security missions was announced by the U.S. Space Force after close of business Friday evening. The mission spreads nearly $14 billion worth of missions between Blue…
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U.S. Air Force’s X-37B spaceplane lands following 434-day orbital mission
The X-37B on the runway at Vandenberg Space Force Base following its landing there on March 7, 2025. Image: U.S. Space Force. Announced with the thunder of a sonic boom, the secretive U.S. military X-37B spaceplane made its return from orbit early Friday at 2:22am EST (0722 UTC). The uncrewed spacecraft touched down on a…
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Space Force says first national security Vulcan launch now anticipated in spring 2025
United Launch Alliance (ULA) hoists its Vulcan first stage booster into the Vertical Integration Facility-G (VIF-G) adjacent to Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The rocket will launch the USSF-106 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command, Vulcan’s first national security flight. Image: United Launch Alliance The first national…
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SpaceX launches 22 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 rocket from California
File: A Falcon 9 rocket stands ready to launch a Starlink mission. Image: SpaceX Update 6:44 p.m. EST (2344 UTC): SpaceX confirms deployment of the Starlink satellites. SpaceX launched its latest batch of Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base Friday afternoon. It came as the U.S. Space Force’s Assured Access to Space (AATS) continues…
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Jared Isaacman makes first public remarks since nomination for NASA Administrator
Polaris Dawn Commander Jared Isaacman sits down with Matt Anderson, the chief growth officer for the Space Force Association, during the second annual Spacepower Conference to discuss human spaceflight. Image: Adam Bernstein/Spaceflight Now The man who may very well be NASA’s 15th Administrator made his first public address since receiving the nomination for the role.…
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ULA begins stacking Vulcan rocket in anticipation of first national security mission
United Launch Alliance (ULA) hoists its Vulcan first stage booster into the Vertical Integration Facility-G (VIF-G) adjacent to Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The rocket will launch the USSF-106 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command, Vulcan’s first national security flight. Image: United Launch Alliance Update Oct. 23,…
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SpaceX launched twin communications satellites for Space Norway
An illustration of the two Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) program satellites on orbit. Illustration: Northrop Grumman SpaceX completed its second launch of the weekend with a mission for Space Norway. The company launched its Falcon 9 rocket for the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM). The satellites, called ASBM-1 and ASBM-2, are designed to provide…
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U.S. Space Force Expands Launch Provider Roster for Small-Satellite Missions
The U.S. Space Force has broadened its lineup of launch providers eligible for competitive small-satellite missions under the Orbital Services Program-4 (OSP-4) contract, welcoming Blue Origin and Stoke Space Technologies onboard. Established in 2019 by the Air Force, OSP-4 operates under an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) framework, allowing flexibility in procuring supplies or services as…
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Orbit Fab Successfully Tests Satellite Refueling Nozzle, Eyes Military Market
Colorado-based startup Orbit Fab announced a successful test of its GRIP (Grapple, Reposition, and Interface Payload) fueling nozzle, marking a significant step in its development of in-space satellite refueling technology. CEO Daniel Faber highlighted the recent test at Kirtland Air Force Base’s Air Force Research Laboratory facility, demonstrating GRIP’s capability to dock with satellites equipped…
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Turion Space Secures $1.9 Million Contract from SpaceWERX for Autonomous Spacecraft System
Turion Space, an Irvine-based startup, has clinched a $1.9 million contract from SpaceWERX, the technology arm of the U.S. Space Force, to develop an autonomous spacecraft docking and maneuvering system aimed at advancing space technology. The contract focuses on enhancing capabilities to engage uncooperative space objects and facilitate the deorbiting of inactive satellites, Turion’s co-founder…