Air Force Research Lab opens new 'extreme computing' facility amid international arms race for quantum tech

The information directorate for the Air and Space Forces’ premier research arm has opened a new center aimed at boosting the department’s quantum prowess, as the United States and China compete for new high-tech computing capabilities that could alter the military balance of power. A ribbon cutting for the Extreme Computing Facility located in Rome, New York, was held Aug. 8, according to a... Read more about Air Force Research Lab opens new 'extreme computing' facility amid international arms race for quantum tech

Space Force pitch to private sector: 'Help us with space protection'

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force is tasked with keeping a watchful eye on foreign rivals’ activities in outer space, and avoiding surprise attacks. To accomplish these tasks the service can’t rely on existing technologies alone, and is turning to the private sector to fill critical gaps, officials said Aug. 12 during a Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies podcast. Companies that can... Read more about Space Force pitch to private sector: 'Help us with space protection'

Article 5 contingency sparks largest air deployment in Nato history

operation. Photos by Bundeswehr Timmig, courtesy of Nato Allied Air Command. Almost 10,000 personnel and 250 aircraft from 25 nations are deploying for the largest air force operation in Nato history on 12 June, as allied countries take part in an Article 5 collective defence scenario. The coordinated combined operation, Air Defender 23, will exercise ‘swift decisive action’ for Allied air forces... Read more about Article 5 contingency sparks largest air deployment in Nato history

Top-level study on intel community, Space Force satellite control coming soon

WASHINGTON — A study commissioned by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines on how to separate responsibilities for gathering intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) from space — including sorting out who can task imagery satellites when — is “coming to closure,” according to a top Space Force official. “The DoD and the DNI, at secretary level... Read more about Top-level study on intel community, Space Force satellite control coming soon

Space Force to reveal draft for commercial satellite 'reserve' service soon

WASHINGTON — The Space Force’s acquisition command plans to release “within a couple weeks” a draft “framework” for how commercial satellite services could be called up in times of crisis or conflict to support military missions for industry feedback — with an official “industry day” to discuss it planned for sometime next month, according to an officials involved. The framework for what the... Read more about Space Force to reveal draft for commercial satellite 'reserve' service soon

Space Force to shift all cyber guardians to defending mission systems and performing ‘core’ tasks

Personnel that are protecting “base-level” networks will soon move onto conducting more critical operational cybersecurity missions, the head of Space Operations Command (SpOC) said Wednesday. Guardians that are protecting the Space Force’s “base-level” networks will soon move onto conducting more critical operational cybersecurity missions, the head of Space Operations Command (SpOC) said... Read more about Space Force to shift all cyber guardians to defending mission systems and performing ‘core’ tasks

EXCLUSIVE-Space-Force, IC warily approach agreement on commercial intel imagery buys

GEOINT 2023 — The Space Force and the Intelligence Community are slowly honing in on a multi-faceted agreement about their respective roles in buying intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data from commercial satellite operators, according to officials from both sides, centering on how new contracting arrangements could foster sharing and avoid duplication. While nothing official has... Read more about EXCLUSIVE-Space-Force, IC warily approach agreement on commercial intel imagery buys

Space Force wraps initial plan for building "hybrid" commercial/military 'outernet"

WASHINGTON — The Space Force’s forward planning unit has completed a “force design” that lays out the parameters of a new hybrid military/commercial internet in space, known as the “outernet,” designed to link all of the service’s mission-specific networks together — and acquisition planners are now working on transferring that plan into a reality, a senior service official said today. The Space... Read more about Space Force wraps initial plan for building "hybrid" commercial/military 'outernet"

Spacecom to reach full operational capability by end of year, commander says

The U.S. military's newest combatant command reached initial operational capability in August 2021 and has been working towards FOC. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — U.S. Space Command is on track to reach full operational capability before the end of 2023, its commander announced Tuesday. Having been reestablished in August 2019, Spacecom is the Defense Department’s newest combatant command and is... Read more about Spacecom to reach full operational capability by end of year, commander says

US Air Force, Navy conduct ICBM test aboard nuclear command aircraft

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air Force and Navy on Wednesday morning conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile in California using an airborne control center. The weapon, which contained a test reentry vehicle, was controlled from an Airborne Launch Control System in a Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft, the Air Force said in a statement. Airmen from the 625th... Read more about US Air Force, Navy conduct ICBM test aboard nuclear command aircraft