Seeking New Options for GPS, Space Force Eyes Multiple Orbits

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The Space Force’s best-known mission is often spelled out with just three letters: GPS. The world relies on U.S. military satellites for precise navigation and timing, and the Space Force delivers with its Global Positioning Satellite constellation. But increasing use of jamming to block GPS signals and the risk that an adversary could seek to take out some or all of its 30 GPS satellites or... Read more about Seeking New Options for GPS, Space Force Eyes Multiple Orbits
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Revolutionizing space-based thermal systems: AFRL’s SPIRRAL launch on SPX-31

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KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. (AFNS) -- The Air Force Research Laboratory launched the Space Power InfraRed Regulation and Analysis of Lifetime experiment on Nov. 4. SPIRRAL, flown by AFRL through the DOD Space Test Program, will characterize the performance of Variable Emissivity Materials, an approach toward solving thermal challenges for space vehicles while on-orbit. VEMs are surface finishes that act... Read more about Revolutionizing space-based thermal systems: AFRL’s SPIRRAL launch on SPX-31
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AFRL wants autonomy to help guide mission management of AI-enabled systems

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The Air Force Research Laboratory is interested in developing autonomous capabilities for analyzing operations and directing courses of action to uncrewed aircraft, according to a request for information issued today. To ensure robotic platforms continue to adhere to mission commands and are able to independently make reasonable decisions in future battles, AFRL says it needs to develop autonomous... Read more about AFRL wants autonomy to help guide mission management of AI-enabled systems
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U.S. Air Force to study use of Sierra Space ‘Ghost’ spacecraft to deliver cargo from orbit

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WASHINGTON — The space infrastructure company Sierra Space announced Oct. 3 it has secured backing from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to advance its “Ghost” spacecraft, a system designed to deliver cargo from space to any location on Earth in under 90 minutes. Known for developing space habitats and vehicles like the Dream Chaser spaceplane, Sierra Space won a contract of... Read more about U.S. Air Force to study use of Sierra Space ‘Ghost’ spacecraft to deliver cargo from orbit
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Space Development Agency studying options for satellite tow services

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In the coming years, the Space Development Agency plans to launch hundreds of satellites to low Earth orbit to track missiles and support targeting missions. But what happens when those spacecraft, each built to last about five years, are no longer operational? The satellites are designed to comply with U.S. government standards that require operators to remove spacecraft once their missions have... Read more about Space Development Agency studying options for satellite tow services
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Air Force Will Take Lead in Joint Prototype Battle Management Tech

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NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.—The Department of the Air Force will be taking over the Pentagon’s prototype Joint Fires Network, or JFN, as it transitions to a fully fledged program of record, program executive officer for command, control, communications, and battle management Maj. Gen. Luke C.G. Cropsey told reporters Sept. 18. “I will have the budget and acquisition authority to actually execute the... Read more about Air Force Will Take Lead in Joint Prototype Battle Management Tech

Air Force’s information warfare hub seeks high-tech sensors, AI tools

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The Air Force needs higher-tech tools and sensors that can monitor networks for signs of malware and sort through the millions of alerts it receives each day indicating potential compromises, according to the leader of the service’s cyber enterprise. The Air Force’s information warfare organization, 16th Air Force, has been working over the last year to better partner with industry, academia and... Read more about Air Force’s information warfare hub seeks high-tech sensors, AI tools
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Air Force splitting up intelligence and cyber effects organization

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As part of the Air Force’s sweeping changes to be better organized to fight a sophisticated China threat, the service is splitting up its intelligence and cyber directorate on the Air Staff at the Pentagon. Like the Navy, the Air Force years ago chose to integrate its intelligence function — known as the 2 — and its communications and network function, known as the 6, into the A2/6, led by a three... Read more about Air Force splitting up intelligence and cyber effects organization
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US Military Chief Wants to Unlock 'Full Potential' of AI Technology

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Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown, has called for allied militaries to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) in order to meet security challenges of the future. Brown made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2024 South American Defense Conference (Southdec) in Santiago, Chile this week. The event was attended by representatives from North America, Europe, 10 South... Read more about US Military Chief Wants to Unlock 'Full Potential' of AI Technology
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Air Force official: CCAs to team with 'all fighters,' 'joint assets' and 'international partners'

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The Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft will not only pair with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the Next Generation Air Dominance platform, but also the F-15EX Eagle II, F-22 Raptor and platforms from other services or allies, according to a top Air Force official. “We’re in lockstep with the Navy to collaborate, looking at specific areas that allow us to move forward together,” Air Force... Read more about Air Force official: CCAs to team with 'all fighters,' 'joint assets' and 'international partners'
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