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

FCC highlights national security role in satellite licensing reforms

1 week ago | copernical.com | Sandra Erwin

'A strong national defense very much motivates the work that we’re doing at the FCC'
FCC highlights national security role in satellite licensing reforms

1 week ago | spacenews.com | Sandra Erwin

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Federal Communications Commission is reshaping how it regulates space systems, with national security emerging as a central driver alongside commercial innovation, a top agency official said June 16. Speaking at the SAE Media Group’s Milsatcom USA conference, Jay Schwarz, chief of the FCC’s space bureau, outlined a series of ongoing reforms aimed at modernizing satellite licensing and opening new spectrum bands.
BlackSky unveils wide-area imaging satellite

1 week ago | copernical.com | Sandra Erwin

The new wide-area imaging satellite is slated for launch in 2027 and will complement BlackSky’s existing fleet
BlackSky unveils wide-area imaging satellite

1 week ago | spacenews.com | Sandra Erwin

WASHINGTON — BlackSky, a provider of satellite imagery and analytics, announced plans to develop a new type of Earth observation satellite designed to capture large areas of the planet. This new satellite will target applications requiring broad geographical coverage, including country-scale mapping, maritime monitoring and the creation of virtual replicas of physical locations.
Ursa Major secures $32.9 million contract to supply engines for U.S. military hypersonic tests

1 week ago | copernical.com | Sandra Erwin

Ursa Major will deliver an upgraded variant of its Hadley engine for use in Stratolaunch’s reusable hypersonic vehicle called Talon-A. The post Ursa Major secures $32.9 million contract to supply engines for U.S.
Ursa Major secures $32.9 million contract to supply engines for U.S. military hypersonic tests

1 week ago | spacenews.com | Sandra Erwin

WASHINGTON— Rocket engine maker Ursa Major landed a $32.9 million deal to supply 16 advanced propulsion systems to Stratolaunch for hypersonic flight tests. Under the contract announced June 16, Colorado-based Ursa Major will deliver an upgraded variant of its Hadley engine for use in Stratolaunch’s reusable hypersonic vehicle called Talon-A. Stratolaunch has a contract with the Pentagon to provide testing vehicles and infrastructure for military systems.
House appropriators advance defense bill, slam White House for budget delay

2 weeks ago | copernical.com | Sandra Erwin

The Space Force would receive $29 billion under the HAC-D bill
House appropriators advance defense bill, slam White House for budget delay

2 weeks ago | spacenews.com | Sandra Erwin

WASHINGTON — The House Appropriations Committee on June 12 approved a $831.5 billion defense spending bill for fiscal year 2026 in a 36-27 vote, advancing it to the House floor for further consideration. The vote was marked by partisan divisions, with Democrats opposing the bill due to concerns about the lack of detailed budget justification from the administration and disagreements over specific provisions.
Sierra Space doubles down on defense

2 weeks ago | copernical.com | Sandra Erwin

The Colorado-based company announced the formal launch of Sierra Space Defense
Sierra Space doubles down on defense

2 weeks ago | spacenews.com | Sandra Erwin

WASHINGTON — Sierra Space, the aerospace firm best known for its spaceplane designed for NASA cargo missions, is going all in on defense. The Colorado-based company on June 11 announced the formal launch of Sierra Space Defense, a division focused on national security programs. The business unit will be led by Erik Daehler, a former Lockheed Martin executive who has been building the defense portfolio behind the scenes.