Sandra Erwin

Arlington

Staff Writer and Reporter at SpaceNews

Reporter @spacenews_inc I write about space technology, the intersection of space and national security / Send tips by DM or email [email protected]

Articles

Rocket Lab’s Neutron Tapped for U.S. Military Cargo Test

5 days ago | realcleardefense.com | Sandra Erwin

Rocket Lab’s Neutron Tapped for U.S. Military Cargo Test next-generation Neutron rocket has been selected for an experimental U.S. Air Force mission to test rapid global cargo delivery capabilities Read Full Article »
Space Force sharpens focus on deterring rivals

6 days ago | spacenews.com | Sandra Erwin

American military leaders are speaking more openly than ever about fighting in space — not just defending it. At the annual Space Symposium last month, senior officials conveyed a sharper posture focused on “space superiority,” a term rooted in military doctrine that means U.S. forces must be able to operate satellites in orbit without interference, and deny that advantage to enemies. “Space superiority is now a prerequisite for battlefield success,” Gen.
Rocket Lab's Neutron tapped for U.S. military cargo test

6 days ago | spacenews.com | Sandra Erwin

WASHINGTON — Rocket Lab’s next-generation Neutron rocket has been selected for an experimental U.S. Air Force mission to test rapid global cargo delivery capabilities, a milestone for the company as it pushes further into the national security launch market.
U.S. Space Force narrows field in $100 million space laser terminal program

6 days ago | spacenews.com | Sandra Erwin

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force has advanced three companies — CACI, General Atomics and Viasat — to the next phase of a $100 million program aimed at developing laser-based space communication terminals, narrowing the field from four as Blue Origin did not make the cut.
Military satellite program highlights role of ‘mission integrators’

6 days ago | spacenews.com | Sandra Erwin

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is ramping up efforts to bring commercial technology into military systems, betting that private-sector speed and innovation can help modernize U.S. defense programs, especially in space. This push could increase the demand for so-called “mission integrators”—engineering firms that specialize in making legacy technologies and newer commercial tech work together. That’s no small task in space networks, where each satellite maker may design its systems differently.
Sierra Space completes ground demo of navigation satellite for U.S. Space Force program

6 days ago | spacenews.com | Sandra Erwin

WASHINGTON — Sierra Space announced May 8 it has completed a ground-based demonstration of a navigation satellite prototype for the U.S. Space Force’s Resilient Global Positioning System (R-GPS) initiative, as the military continues to explore back-up options for its GPS constellation. The demonstration, conducted in a laboratory using a “FlatSat” setup, tested Sierra Space’s satellite hardware and flight software, along with ground communications systems.
IonQ to acquire Capella Space in bid to build ultra-secure quantum network

1 week ago | spacenews.com | Sandra Erwin

WASHINGTON — IonQ, a Maryland-based quantum computing company, announced May 7 it has reached an agreement to acquire Capella Space, the first U.S. firm to launch a commercial radar imaging satellite. The acquisition advances IonQ’s ambitious plan to create the world’s first space-based quantum key distribution (QKD) network — a technology that promises unhackable communications for government and commercial users.
Space Force chief makes case for increased funding before House panel

1 week ago | spacenews.com | Sandra Erwin

WASHINGTON — The Space Force’s top military official warned lawmakers May 6 that the military’s newest service branch needs increased funding to fulfill an expanding roster of missions, even as the Pentagon faces budget constraints. Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, appearing before the House Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee, highlighted what he described as a concerning trend of flat budgets coupled with growing responsibilities.
Space Force awards contracts for missile-warning ground systems

1 week ago | spacenews.com | Sandra Erwin

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force awarded a $259 million contract to New Jersey-based software specialist SciTec to further develop a ground system for military missile-warning satellites, the Space Systems Command announced May 6. The contract is part of the Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) program, which seeks to build a government-owned ground system for missile warning satellite command and control.
DoD’s Hypersonic Milestone: Stratolaunch Breaks Mach 5

1 week ago | realcleardefense.com | Sandra Erwin

DoD’s Hypersonic Milestone: Stratolaunch Breaks Mach 5 The U.S. is re-entering the era of reusable hypersonic flight testing for the first time in more than half a century Read Full Article »