AI company developing software to detect hypersonic missiles from space
Original Publication Date: 2024-02-18 11:00
Space Development Agency selected California-based EpiSci to develop tool. It will test its AI-powered software against data collected by low Earth orbit sensors. Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds of at least Mach 5, which is five times the speed of sound. Maintaining "custody" Of these fast-moving targets across vast distances requires collaboration.
Lockheed Martin ramping up small satellite production
Original Publication Date: 2024-02-16 21:29
Lockheed Martin has a backlog of 100 smallsats on order from Department of Defense. Lockheed Martin last year opened a new smallsat assembly facility near Denver, Colorado. The company is funding its own space missions to demonstrate technologies. The next experiment, called Pony Express 2, is scheduled to launch on SpaceX's upcoming Transporter 10.
Why Space Force is growing more alarmed by China’s eyes in the sky
Original Publication Date: 2024-02-16 15:00
China's latest satellite, Yaogan-41, has an estimated resolution of 2.5 meters. This level of visual fidelity would allow China to spot vehicles, aircraft, and vessels. U.S. Military views Yaogan-41 and Ludi Tance-4 as a qualitative leap in capabilities.
Viasat completes first broadband upgrade on military sealift fleet
Original Publication Date: 2024-02-16 13:05
Viasat completes first satellite broadband upgrade on board a Military Sealift Command ship. The U.S. Navy’s sealift organization operates a fleet of 125 civilian-crewed ships. Viasat is revamping the ships’ satellite network from Ku-band to Ka-band.
UPDATE 2: Rocket Lab readies for Sunday launch of Astroscale’s study to remove space junk – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2024-02-17 00:00
Rocket Lab will not be attempting to recover Electron’s first stage during this mission. The mission will lift-off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. The ADRAS-J satellite is designed to rendezvous with a piece of space junk or orbital debris.