satellite communications Archives

AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird (AST SpaceMobile image)

SDA taps commercial firm for on-orbit tactical SATCOM demonstration

The award to AST SpaceMobile is under the Space Development Agency's Hybrid Acquisition for Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (HALO) program.

Feb 23, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

U.S. Space Force Guardians assigned to Space Delta 5 monitor computer workstations Dec. 18, 2025, at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. Space Delta 5 supports and presents combat-ready forces to command and control the Combined Space Operations Center, which closes blue kill chains by delivering space-enabled effects—including GPS, missile warning and electromagnetic interference detection—to the Joint Force. (Photo by David Dozoretz)

EXCLUSIVE: Space Force’s role in Iran, Venezuela raids fueling push for more resources

Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon provided new details about how Space Force guardians supported the joint force during Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Absolute Resolve.

Feb 22, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

Pentagon contemplating eventual sunsetting of Link 16 as enthusiasm grows for optical communications

Optical comms networks offer some advantages over RF networks, experts say.

Sep 25, 2025 By Jon Harper

707th Communications Squadron client system technicians update software for computers that will be used on Air Force networks at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexandre Montes)

New Air Force strategy looks to increase adoption of commercial networking tech

The new DAF Network of the Future plan outlines where the department wants to implement commercial technologies to modernize its IT networks.

Sep 3, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

Space Force plans to kick off 3 additional commercial reserve fleet ‘pilots’ in 2025

The upcoming pilots will focus on satellite communications, small launch providers and tactical surveillance, reconnaissance and tracking.

Apr 11, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

SDA demos laser link between 2 vendors for future SATCOM, missile tracking network

The demonstration by York Space Systems and SpaceX marks a critical milestone ahead of the agency's upcoming Tranche 1 launch.

Jan 9, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

Members of the 18th Space Defense Combat Squadron, a unit assigned to U.S. Space Forces – Space under the USSF Force Generation model, observe orbital data at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Oct. 4, 2024. (Photo by David Dozoretz)

Kendall: Space Force must move faster to field counterspace capabilities

“The place where I think we should be moving faster is counterspace. We need to protect the joint force from the targeting and sensing that China, in…

Dec 19, 2024 By Mikayla Easley

Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission rendering (Credit: Northrop Grumman)

Northrop Grumman activates Arctic satcom constellation for Space Force, Norway

The constellation includes mission payloads for both the U.S. Space Force and Norway that will enhance connectivity in the High North.

Dec 3, 2024 By Mikayla Easley

1st Space Brigade soldiers observe a U.S. Army Ranger raid during a large-scale combat scenario at the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Capabilities Exercise 2024 at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, April 5-12, 2024. The exercise demonstrated how Army space operations integrate with cyber and special operation forces partners to enable the warfighter on the ground. (U.S. Army photo by Brooke Nevins)

‘This is not enough’: Army grappling with increased demand for space capabilities, personnel

“As I look at the priorities within the command as we move forward, probably our top priority is how do we deliver that capability responsive to the…

Oct 18, 2024 By Mikayla Easley

SDA lays out plans for third batch of data transport, missile tracking satellites

The Space Development Agency intends to begin publishing draft solicitations for Tranche 3 in early 2025.

Oct 9, 2024 By Mikayla Easley