Stoke Space’s Post

As the Pentagon wonders whether United Launch Alliance (ULA) will keep its launch schedule, co-owners Lockheed Martin and Boeing have formed an “independent review team” to help keep things on track. Last month, United States Space Force acquisition czar Frank Calvelli laid out his concerns about ULA’s Vulcan heavy-lift rocket, which first flew in January and is slated to launch 25 national-security missions by the end of 2027. In a May 10 letter, Calvelli noted that ULA has yet to prove it can build Vulcans fast enough to handle the 70 total launches that the company has on order—and that the company has recently averaged fewer than a half-dozen launches a year. Read more from Defense One https://lnkd.in/gTEfKUJK

TacRS missions enable the #USSPACECOM commander to plan and react quickly. The Victus Haze mission will showcase spacecraft capable of rendezvous and proximity operations, and provide a command and control center, crucial for addressing space threats. 

#DisruptiveTech Is space the final frontier? For some, the renewed focus on defense in the space sector is a concerning trend. But for others, it’s a big opportunity. There is no shortage of new space companies entering the sphere with commercial and defense offerings, each seeking to keep up with historical players who have long played the dual game. In turn, governments are looking to legislate where they can, use space assets where possible in the spirit of the ‘connected battlefield,’ and encourage dual-use technologies. To understand what might represent a concern, an opportunity, or simply what to keep an eye on, here are some of the important trends to take note of this year. #space #spacefore #defense #defence #innovation Campaign Catapult Pravo Consulting

🌌 AUKUS Takes a Quantum Leap with Northrop Grumman's DARC System! 🛰️ AUKUS has made significant strides with the introduction of Northrop Grumman's cutting-edge DARC System, marking a groundbreaking development in space exploration and defense. The AUKUS alliance's commitment to advancing technological prowess is on full display with this strategic move. The DARC System, developed by Northrop Grumman, promises to reshape the dynamics of space exploration and defense, elevating our capabilities to new heights. This collaboration not only underscores the alliance's dedication to staying at the forefront of innovation but also signals a pivotal moment in the evolving landscape of space technologies. https://lnkd.in/dKW4MpKq

Production for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) constellation is in full swing, and Northrop Grumman is one of the primary contractors producing satellites for what will soon be a global constellation of missile defense and data transport satellites. SDA’s concept relies on mature technology available on the open market to field satellites two to three times faster than traditional military space programs. https://lnkd.in/eKemmsg5

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency is rapidly expanding its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). Nearly $10 billion in contracts have been awarded to companies like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, York Space, Rocket Lab, and Sierra Space for building over 400 satellites. This initiative marks a significant leap in military satellite technology, focusing on enhanced communication, location targeting, and missile defense. #SpaceForce #SDA #PWSA #SpaceExploration #DefenseTechnology #Innovation #spaceindustry #spaceeconomy #spacetechnology https://lnkd.in/gJibk-Za

Maxar Space Systems, a leading provider of comprehensive space technologies, announced it has been selected by L3Harris Technologies for the design and production of eighteen Maxar 300 spacecraft platforms and associated support for its Tranche 2 Tracking Layer program with the Space Development Agency (SDA). This selection builds on Maxar Space Systems’ existing contract with L3Harris for the Tranche 1 Tracking Layer, awarded in 2022. The Tranche 2 Tracking Layer will enhance SDA’s capability to provide global, persistent indications, detection, warning, and tracking, of conventional and advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gVXMMiFh

The Space Development Agency agency continues moving the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) forward. #SemperCitius Achieving “speed” (time from concept / RFP to fielding an operational system) is a multivariable calculation. As mentioned in the comments to Michael Sheetz’s post, and as outlined in various DoD policy statements, I too long for the transformation envisioned by the PWSA to include hyper-fast moving startups with amazing new technology in development. However based on statements and even LinkedIn posts by Derek Tournear in the recent past some advanced capabilities will be put at the warfighter’s disposal faster by more experienced, mature commercial entities. That being said if DoD investments are not made in the startup segment of the space ecosystem the “spirals” may not really achieve the technology leaps that will be needed to sustain this vision into the future.

Exciting News in Space Innovation! Northrop Grumman’s Passive Refueling Module (PRM) is now the preferred standard for U.S. military satellites, as designated by the Space Force’s Space Systems Command. This game-changing technology enables in-orbit refueling, extending the life of military satellites and potentially reshaping the satellite servicing market. The significance of this selection goes beyond exclusivity—it sets a precedent for the industry with Northrop Grumman gaining first-mover advantage… The Space Force’s endorsement accelerates the momentum, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of in-space logistics. #SpaceInnovation #SatelliteRefueling #GameChanger #SpaceForce #LogisticsInnovation