SpaceX launches more satellites for NRO’s proliferated constellation
25 Oct
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SpaceX launches more satellites for NRO’s proliferated constellation

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Top Stories Tamfitronics SpaceX launches NROL-167. Credit: SpaceX livestreamWASHINGTON — A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Oct. 24 launched the NROL-167 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office.The rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 1:13 p.m. Eastern.NROL-167 was the fourth batch of satellites of a new imaging satellite constellation built by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman. The number of satellites on this mission was not disclosed.The NRO is working to rapidly deploy a new network of satellites designed to track ground targets in near real time.Following stage separation, the Falcon 9’s first stage landed on a drone ship stationed in the Pacific Ocean.The NRO designs and operates classified U.S. government surveillance and intelligence satellites. SpaceX launched the first three batches of the agency’s proliferated constellation in low Earth orbit in May, June...
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Challenges facing Space Force and commercial industry: Gen. Guetlein’s candid take
25 Oct
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Challenges facing Space Force and commercial industry: Gen. Guetlein’s candid take

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Top Stories Tamfitronics WASHINGTON — At a time when space is more congested and contested, Gen. Michael Guetlein, vice chief of space operations for the U.S. Space Force, delivered a blunt assessment of the hurdles facing the military’s youngest branch.Speaking Oct. 23 via video from the Pentagon to the MilSat Symposium in Mountain View, California, Guetlein laid out the Space Force’s top concerns, from rival powers developing anti-satellite weapons to the difficulties of working with private companies in an increasingly militarized space environment.Guetlein emphasized that space is evolving into a central domain of warfare, with threats from adversaries like China and Russia mounting. This shift means that the Space Force can no longer act alone and needs to establish closer ties with allies and commercial firms. “We’d better start figuring out how to partner better...
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NRO readies open call for satellite remote sensing
25 Oct
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NRO readies open call for satellite remote sensing

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Top Stories Tamfitronics Canadian Forces Station in northern Canada. Capella Space spotlight mode image acquired on Aug. 21, 2024. Credit: Capella SpaceMOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – The National Reconnaissance Office will invite companies to propose remote sensing capabilities on an ongoing basis.In the past, the agency responsible for designing, building and operating U.S. spy satellites has solicited proposals through Broad Area Announcements, which have defined timelines for submission and contract award.Next year, the NRO will seek proposals through a contracting mechanism called Commercial Solutions Opportunity (CSO). Through CSO, the NRO will invite companies to submit proposals for electro-optical, radar, hyperspectral and other remote sensing modalities the agency has investigated through BAAs. The NRO also is looking for new capabilities like space-based LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), Pete Muend, head of the NRO’s commercial space office,...
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NASA delays decision on Chandra and Hubble cuts
25 Oct
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NASA delays decision on Chandra and Hubble cuts

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Top Stories Tamfitronics The Chandra X-Ray Observatory (above) and Hubble Space Telescope could face budget cuts as NASA deals with overall spending reductions. Credit: NASA/CXC & J. VaughanWASHINGTON — NASA has deferred any plans to reduce operations of two major space telescopes as a cost-cutting move until after the agency receives its final appropriations for fiscal year 2025.At an online town hall session Oct. 23, Mark Clampin, director of NASA’s astrophysics division, said the agency was holding off on any changes in the operations of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory and Hubble Space Telescope while awaiting Congress to finalize appropriations for the fiscal year that started Oct. 1.“That means we’re taking no further steps forward with Chandra or Hubble at this time,” he said.NASA, in its fiscal year 2025 budget proposal released in March, proposed a...
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