Space (Page 2)

Latest in Space

KC-130T Hercules tanker/transports belonging to the U.S. Navy's Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 30 (VX-30), the “Bloodhounds,” are gaining the ability to link up to the Starlink satellite constellation to help with long-range missile and other test work out in the Pacific.
Space

Starlink-Equipped Navy C-130s Offer Communication Boost For Pacific Missile Tests

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 12, 2025

New space-based interceptors called for in President Donald Trump's Golden Dome missile defense initiative are all about addressing threats as quickly and as far away from the U.S. homeland as possible, according to U.S. Space Force's top officer.
Anti-Satellite Capabilities

Putting Missile Interceptors In Space Critical To Defending U.S. Citizens: Space Force Boss

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Mar 20, 2025

Solar flare hitting satellite, computer artwork.
Anti-Satellite Capabilities

Space Force Chief “Enamored By Systems That Deny, Disrupt, And Degrade” Satellites

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Mar 11, 2025

The U.S. Space Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle Mission Seven successfully landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, March 7, 2025. The X-37B landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, to exercise the service's ability to recover the spaceplane across multiple sites. 
X-37B

X-37B Returns To Earth, Space Force Won’t Commit To Buying More

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Mar 7, 2025

While it has long been a world-ending threat in science fiction, U.S. Air Force and Space Force officials see artificial intelligence (AI) playing important, if not critical roles in the command and control enterprise at the heart of America's nuclear deterrent capabilities.
U.S. Space Force

How The Military Wants AI To Help Control America’s Nuclear Arsenal

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Mar 7, 2025

The U.S. Space Force is looking at reactivating a rocket launching site on a remote Pacific island to test technologies for future rocket cargo delivery missions. The site, on Johnston Atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, around 860 miles southwest of Hawaii, is now earmarked for the potential construction of two landing pads. This is part of the Rocket Cargo Vanguard program, which seeks to use rockets to move military supplies from one point on Earth to another much more rapidly than is currently possible.
Launch Vehicles

Notorious Abandoned Pacific Island Outpost Eyed For Space Force Rocket Cargo Delivery Tests

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Mar 3, 2025

X-37B shows earth from its perspective for the first time.
X-37B

X-37B Spaceplane Shares Earth Image For First Time As New Mission Details Emerge

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Feb 21, 2025

U.S. Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot, the top American military officer overseeing operations in and around North America, has said he would welcome Canadian participation in expanding continental missile defense efforts, including in space.
Early Warning/DSP/SBIRS

Canada Joining Iron Dome Missile Defense Plan Would Be Welcome: NORAD Boss

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Feb 14, 2025

President Donald Trump has laid out a vision for a new Iron Dome air and missile defense system to shield the U.S. homeland, which directly hearkens back to the Reagan-era Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI).
U.S. Space Force

Weaponizing Space Key To Trump’s Iron Dome Missile Defense Shield Vision

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 28, 2025

NASA’s new flying laboratory, an ex-commercial Boeing 777 airliner, has arrived in Waco, Texas, for modifications ahead of its entry to service. The aircraft will replace the agency’s now-retired Douglas DC-8.
NASA

NASA’s ‘New’ Boeing 777 Undergoes Modifications For Its Future Flying Laboratory Role

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 21, 2025

Chinese SAM Launch
Chinese Space Program

Air Force Predicts Enemy Anti-Air Missiles With 1,000-Mile Range By 2050

By Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 14, 2025

Recent satellite imagery shows a curious white-colored object at the end of the runway at a remote airstrip in northwestern China.
X-37B

Mysterious Object Appears At Remote Chinese Airfield Linked To Spaceplane Program

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Dec 4, 2024

While it has turned out that the RS-26-based Oreshnik that Russia fired at Ukraine was not a conventionally-armed ICBM, it still highlights the very real interest in, if not more active development and even potential fielding of, a weapon of that kind globally.
Early Warning/DSP/SBIRS

Conventionally Armed ICBM Concept Highlighted By Unprecedented Russian Missile Attack On Ukraine

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 22, 2024

One of America's secretive X-37Bs is set to perform a series of maneuvers called aerobraking that will significantly change its orbit, which is said to be a first-of-its-kind event for the mini-space shuttle.
X-37B

Secretive X-37B Spaceplane To Use Aerobraking Maneuvers To Rapidly Change Orbit

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Oct 10, 2024

The U.S. Space Development Agency, or SDA has outlined the progress made so far in demonstrating a satellite-based Link 16 network to transmit data directly from space, as well as the potential of laser communications to connect satellites together, and to use those same satellites to conduct missile tracking from low Earth orbit (LEO).
Orbital Systems

Link 16 Coverage From Space, Laser Communications Relays Make Major Advances

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 17, 2024

The U.S. Space Force second-in-command has provided updates on plans for the service’s introduction of space-based ground moving-target indicator and air moving-target indicator (GMTI/AMTI) capabilities.
U.S. Space Force

U.S. To Track Moving Air And Ground Targets Via Space By 2030, But Aircraft Will Still Play A Part

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Sep 5, 2024

The U.S. Navy says it is on the verge of having persistent, reliable, and secure high-speed internet connections across its fleets thanks to a project leveraging commercial satellite constellations like SpaceX's Starlink.
Orbital Systems

Starlink Now Being Deployed On U.S. Navy Warships

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 22, 2024

Ukraine has used a crowd-funded satellite to attack more than 1,500 targets in Ukraine and Russia.
Spy Satellites

“People’s Satellite” Helped Ukraine Hit Over 1,000 Targets Spy Agency Says

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 27, 2024

Artist rendering of NGI in flight.
War In Space

Showdown Brewing Over Ballistic Missile Interceptor Site On East Coast

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 11, 2024

Defense officials say a notice to airmen was issued for a Russian space launch booster, not a military exercise.
Launch Vehicles

Russian Rocket Booster, Not Military Exercise, Prompts Airspace Warning Off California

By Howard Altman

Posted on May 17, 2024

NASA's DC-8 airborne science laboratory banks low over the Dryden Aircraft Operations Facility at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif., upon arrival Nov. 8, 2007.
NASA

NASA’s DC-8 Flying Lab Flies Into Retirement, Making The Type Nearly Extinct

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 15, 2024

Satellites in space
Anti-Satellite Capabilities

Russia’s Anti-Satellite Nuke Could Leave Lower Orbit Unusable, Test Vehicle May Already Be Deployed

By Oliver Parken, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 3, 2024

SpaceX's contract for a new satellite constellation for the DOD could be a game changer.
Spy Satellites

If SpaceX’s Secret Constellation Is What We Think It Is, It’s Game Changing (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Mar 20, 2024

The US Air Force has confirmed a spate of drone incursions occurred at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia in December 2023.
NASA

Mysterious Drones Swarmed Langley AFB For Weeks

By Joseph Trevithick, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Mar 15, 2024

The White House has confirmed that a recently disclosed serious national security threat is indeed related to a Russian anti-satellite capability under development, but many questions remain.
Spy Satellites

Russia’s “Highly Concerning” Anti-Satellite Super Weapon: What Are The Possibilities?

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Feb 15, 2024

The US Space Force's top officer says he is extremely concerned by Russian and Chinese threats to American space-based assets.
Spy Satellites

Threats In Space “Extremely Concerning”: Space Force Boss

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Feb 15, 2024

A cryptic press release has revealed concerns about a reported Russian space-based capability that poses a serious and destabilizing threat to national security.
Spy Satellites

Alarm Raised Over Destabilizing New Russian Threat In Space: Reports

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Feb 14, 2024

Starship pictured during static-fire testing
Launch Vehicles

Military May Get Its Own SpaceX Starship Rockets For Dangerous Missions

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Feb 2, 2024

The Army's Reagan Test Site support operations were among many affected by wild waves that swamped Roi-Namur Island in the Kwajalein Atoll on Jan. 20.
Space

Reagan Test Site Damage From Massive Waves Seen In Imagery

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jan 24, 2024

A video montage shown before the latest launch of a U.S. Space Force X-37B mini-shuttle appears to offer the first look at one of these spaceplanes outside of the Earth's atmosphere.
X-37B

Look At An X-37B In Space With An Extended Payload Module

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Dec 29, 2023

Concept art of reusable Chinese spaceplane.
Chinese Space Program

China’s Spaceplane Has Released Multiple Mystery Objects In Orbit

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 19, 2023

This Is Exactly How The Latest Ballistic Missile Defense Test Worked
U.S. Space Force

This Is Exactly How The Latest Ballistic Missile Defense Test Worked

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 13, 2023

QSRA (NASA-715) carrier trials onboard Kitty Hawk off San Diego, CA (Quiet Short-Haul Aircraft is a modified C-8A)
NASA

NASA’s Quiet Short Takeoff And Landing Test Jet Is Up For Sale

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 12, 2023

Shock diamonds from Starship's rocket exhaust
Launch Vehicles

Starship’s 33 Engines Created The Mother Of All ‘Shock Diamonds’

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Nov 21, 2023

X-37B is heading into space on a Falcon heavy rocket.
X-37B

X-37B Headed Deeper Into Space With Falcon Heavy Rocket’s Help

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 9, 2023

The Space Force's Space Operations Command's first official painting depicts a reusable spaceplane intercepting a hostile 'killer satellite.'
X-37B

Spaceplane Vs Satellite Duel In First Space Force Painting Is Telling

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Oct 26, 2023

A space plane design is seen being tested in what China says is the most powerful wind tunnel in the world in new video.
Chinese Space Program

China’s New Mach 30 Wind Tunnel Tests Space Plane Mothership Design

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 18, 2023

X-59
NASA

X-59 Supersonic Test Jet Looks Positively Sci-Fi Head-On

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 6, 2023

Infrared satellites spot Ukraine dam blast
Early Warning/DSP/SBIRS

U.S. Infrared Early Warning Satellites Help Investigate Ukrainian Dam Destruction: Report

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 9, 2023

Chinese Spaceplane Docked With Another Object Multiple Times Data Indicates
Spy Satellites

Chinese Spaceplane Docked With Another Object Multiple Times Data Indicates

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 9, 2023

Chinese space plane X-37b
Chinese Space Program

Chinese Spaceplane Returns To Earth After Longest Flight So Far

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 8, 2023

Image of satellite taken from another satellite
Spy Satellites

Check Out These Images Of A Satellite In Orbit Taken By Another Satellite

By Oliver Parken, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Apr 6, 2023

Star Trek Picard Production Design Dave Blass
War In Space

Designing Star Trek With Picard’s Dave Blass

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Apr 4, 2023

Red fumes china long march rocket
Chinese Space Program

Why Chinese Rockets Spew Toxic Bright Red Gas Clouds On Launch

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Mar 22, 2023

V-2 white sands
War In Space

The V-2 Rocket: Rise Of The Space Race And Cold War Missiles

By Dr. Charlie Hall

Posted on Dec 8, 2022

Andor best star wars
War In Space

Andor Is The Best Star Wars Ever Made

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Nov 28, 2022

NASA’s X-59 Quiet Supersonic Test Jet Now Has Its Engine
NASA

NASA’s X-59 Quiet Supersonic Test Jet Now Has Its Engine

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 15, 2022

X-37B_SIXTH_MISSION
X-37B

Details About X-37B Payload Adapter Revealed After Record-Setting Mission

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 14, 2022

Chinese Nuclear Anti-Satellite Study Highlights Problem Of Countering Starlink-Like Constellations
Anti-Satellite Capabilities

Chinese Nuclear Anti-Satellite Study Highlights Problem Of Countering Starlink-Like Constellations

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Oct 25, 2022

Activity At Remote Chinese Airstrip Seen Before Spaceplane Launch
Launch Vehicles

Activity At Remote Chinese Airstrip Seen Before Spaceplane Launch

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Aug 5, 2022

Russian Military Satellite Appears To Be Stalking A New U.S. Spy Satellite
Spy Satellites

Russian Military Satellite Appears To Be Stalking A New U.S. Spy Satellite

By Emma Helfrich

Posted on Aug 3, 2022

This Is Why A NASA WB-57F Canberra Jet Is In South Korea
NASA

This Is Why A NASA WB-57F Canberra Jet Is In South Korea

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 27, 2022

Tranche 1 Tracking Layer
Spy Satellites

How The New Hypersonic Weapons Tracking Constellation Will Work

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jul 20, 2022

Kim Astronaut Pilot SEAL Doctor
NASA

SEAL-Doctor-Astronaut Jonny Kim Is Adding Pilot To His Crazy Resume

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jun 9, 2022

The U.S. Is Done Blowing Up Satellites With Missiles In Tests
Anti-Satellite Capabilities

The U.S. Is Done Blowing Up Satellites With Missiles In Tests

By Emma Helfrich, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Apr 20, 2022

Russia Adorns Its Space Center’s Soyuz Rocket Transporter With Ukraine Invasion Markings
Russian Space Program

Russia Adorns Its Space Center’s Soyuz Rocket Transporter With Ukraine Invasion Markings

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Mar 4, 2022

Space Force Expands Its Ability To Monitor Threats In “Deep Space”
Orbital Systems

Space Force Expands Its Ability To Monitor Threats In “Deep Space”

By Brett Tingley

Posted on Feb 25, 2022

Behold The X-59 Quiet Supersonic Test Jet’s Absolutely Epic Schnoz
NASA

Behold The X-59 Quiet Supersonic Test Jet’s Absolutely Epic Schnoz

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Feb 16, 2022

Space Shuttle Carrying 747 Was Secretly Modified To Defend Itself From Heat-Seeking Missiles (Updated)
Space Shuttle

Space Shuttle Carrying 747 Was Secretly Modified To Defend Itself From Heat-Seeking Missiles (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick and Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jan 28, 2022

A Chinese Satellite Just Grappled Another And Pulled It Out Of Orbit
Spy Satellites

A Chinese Satellite Just Grappled Another And Pulled It Out Of Orbit

By Brett Tingley

Updated on Jan 27, 2022

The Air Force Wants Laser Communication Pods To Securely Link Fighter Aircraft With Satellites
Spy Satellites

The Air Force Wants Laser Communication Pods To Securely Link Fighter Aircraft With Satellites

By Brett Tingley

Posted on Jan 27, 2022

NASA Once Built This Armored HAZMAT Response Vehicle That Was Loaded With Futuristic Features
NASA

NASA Once Built This Armored HAZMAT Response Vehicle That Was Loaded With Futuristic Features

By Brett Tingley

Posted on Jan 22, 2022

Space Force Just Launched Satellites Capable Of ‘Inspecting’ Enemy Satellites
Spy Satellites

Space Force Just Launched Satellites Capable Of ‘Inspecting’ Enemy Satellites

By Brett Tingley

Updated on Jan 22, 2022

Air Force’s Small Telescope Tech Will Help Detect Enemy Satellites Sneaking Up On Friendly Ones
Anti-Satellite Capabilities

Air Force’s Small Telescope Tech Will Help Detect Enemy Satellites Sneaking Up On Friendly Ones

By Brett Tingley

Posted on Jan 6, 2022