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17 Apr 25. New Space Force ‘warfighting framework’ sharpens weaponization plans. The Space Force has been upping its rhetoric around the need for weapons in space — and on Thursday it issued a framework meant to provide a “warfighting” lens for planners, operators and weapons buyers on how the service views the use of military power in a domain long viewed as benign. The release of the Space Warfighting Framework comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stresses the need for the U.S. military to adopt a stronger “warfighting mentality” and as the service prepares to argue its case for a larger share of funding in the fiscal 2026 budget cycle. Space Force officials say that while the document aligns with Pentagon messaging and supports its case for more resources, releasing the framework is part of the natural growth trajectory for the service, which was established five years ago.
Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton, deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs and requirements, told reporters Wednesday the service spent its first few years building its organizational structure and has shifted in recent years to ensuring it has the strategy, doctrine and codified processes in place to guide current and future operations.
“This space warfighting document is sort of in the vein of the natural maturing of the Space Force,” Bratton said in a briefing at the Pentagon. “This document is very specific to our core function of space control and how we think about warfighting in space.”
The language the Defense Department uses to describe conflict in space has changed over time. For years, officials would use terms like “congested” and “contested” to discuss growing threats in the domain and “protect and defend” as a vague indicator of how the U.S. would respond to those concerns. The Space Force’s ability to talk more freely and clearly about its approach to warfighting evolved in the last few years and in recent months, as officials have touted the need for space weapons to keep up with Russia and China. Bratton said the release of the warfighting framework reflects that change.
“I think now we’ve sort of matured and arrived at a place where we’re comfortable saying that, hey, this is a warfighting domain,” he said.
The framework’s primary function is to define key terms and concepts so that its internal stakeholders have a common lexicon and external partners understand how the Space Force thinks about maintaining dominance in the domain. For example, the document provides a detailed list of defensive and offensive space actions. In the defensive category, it includes things like counter attack, escort, mobility, disaggregation and redundancy — passive and active responses the service can take to protect against or respond to enemy aggression. Its list of offensive responses includes electromagnetic and cyber attack and strikes targeting space-enabling assets in other domains. That could includes launch vehicles or other ground networks and facilities. The document notes that coordination across the joint force is crucial, as operators in all domains are increasingly reliant on space capabilities to perform their missions.
“Not only are space operations global, they are also multi-domain,” the document states. “A successful attack against the terrestrial, link or orbital segment can neutralize a space capability; therefore, space domain access, maneuver and utilization require deliberate and synchronized offensive and defensive operations across all segments.”
The framework also defines targets, to include ground networks, communication and data links that help transport information and on-orbit capabilities like satellites. It lays out variables that operators should consider as they plan a response, and it discusses the process for prioritizing and engaging targets. Bratton noted that the document itself doesn’t represent a change in policy or rules of engagement around how weapons may be employed in space, rather it spells out the existing process as it applies to space. It’s also intentionally broad and describes capabilities the department may not have now but could have in the future.
“It’s not intended to imply that we have all developed all these capabilities or weapons or any of those things, but it certainly is intended to start that discussion about what we do need to compete and win in space during conflict specifically,” he said. (Source: Defense News)
17 Apr 25. Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO), a leading global provider of broadband connectivity services for executive and mil/gov aviation, has confirmed Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for a direct current (DC) variant of the Plane Simple® Ka-band tail mount terminal for Gulfstream G280 aircraft types. This represents the first time a Plane Simple antenna has received regulatory approval for a terminal powered by direct current flow rather than alternating current (AC). The DC option supports the distribution of high-speed broadband, powered by the Viasat Jet ConneX service, to passengers and crew traveling on the agile, super midsized jet. The STC was achieved in partnership with Gulfstream and Jet Aviation, with the antenna installed by Jet Aviation at its maintenance center in Basel, Switzerland. The Plane Simple Ka-band aftermarket solution is now available for installation through authorized Gulfstream and Jet Aviation Service Centers worldwide. The G280 owner, a large German automotive supplier, will use the DC Plane Simple Ka-band antenna to maximize uninterrupted global connectivity coverage. With the antenna supporting digitally heavy applications, including video streaming, live TV, video calls, file transfers, gaming, and virtual private networks, passengers can be assured of remaining productive in flight. The DC variant connects immediately with existing Viasat GX satellites and future next-generation GX satellites, which, on deployment, will transmit dual polarity signals, more than doubling the amount of data being transmitted and received. The customer will also have access to the added value delivered by the Gogo ecosystem, which provides industry-leading, genuinely global customer support, tailored training, and unparalleled cybersecurity services.
“The latest STC in our growing portfolio showcases our commitment to delivering a portfolio of products that enables every type of business aircraft operator to access our connectivity services. We can modify our products to integrate with the varying requirements and configurations of in-service airframes while simultaneously equipping a connectivity system purpose-built to maintain pace with the changing connectivity landscape. We are determined to make our connectivity options available to every owner that seeks high-speed broadband, and this STC confirms we are on track to meet the diverse missions of our business aviation, military, and government customers,” says Dave Falberg, Gogo, Senior Vice President Sales, EMEA.
The advanced technology hardware has been developed in partnership with QEST, a worldwide provider of innovative aeronautical antennas. The singular design of the Plane Simple terminal consists of just two line replaceable units, a modem unit, and the tail-mount antenna. This minimizes installation times, reduces maintenance fees, and, located in the unpressurized part of the fuselage, frees up valuable cabin space. Gogo provides cabin connectivity service plans on both in-production and in-service legacy aircraft for the Gulfstream Connectivity Service program.
15 Apr 25. Hughes Network Systems Ltd (Hughes Europe), a leader in managed network connectivity solutions, announces the availability of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite service. Using Eutelsat’s OneWeb high-speed, low-latency, LEO satellite broadband services with Hughes ground equipment, installation, and network management, enterprises across Europe will experience enhanced connectivity from European-based providers. As an engineering partner, Hughes is developing gateway electronics and the core technology that powers every user terminal in the OneWeb system. Hughes has designed an electronically steerable flat-panel antenna (ESA) specifically for the OneWeb satellite service. Projects are underway in the manufacturing, construction, power generation, and retail sectors. Additionally, government agencies are reviewing the Hughes LEO service for critical infrastructure connectivity.
“Together with Eutelsat we are bringing reliable, high-quality connections to enterprise and government users across Europe,” said Christopher Britton, Managing Director at Hughes Europe. “LEO satellite connectivity with the Hughes ESA and the White glove services from Hughes Europe, offer a European based alternative for high-speed, low-latency coverage.”
Cyril Dujardin, President of the Connectivity Business Unit, Eutelsat Group, said, “We are pleased to expand on our longstanding partnership with Hughes to enable the delivery of our Eutelsat OneWeb services to European businesses. High-speed, low-latency connectivity is essential to support critical business functions, and we look forward to providing the connectivity needed to help businesses across Europe thrive and succeed.”
As industries and enterprises increasingly rely on fast and reliable internet access, the demand for high-performance satellite connectivity has never been greater. Hughes Europe will integrate Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO technology into its existing broadband portfolio, enabling uninterrupted, high-quality connectivity in areas where traditional networks fall short, ensuring next-generation connectivity for mission-critical operations. (Source: PR Newswire)
16 Apr 25. IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leader in the quantum computing and networking industries, announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Intellian Technologies, Inc., a leading global provider of satellite communication antennas and ground gateway solutions, to explore how secure quantum networking can transform satellite communications. This memorandum furthers IonQ’s work in strategically partnering across South Korea’s enterprise, government, and academic sectors and launching initiatives seeking to advance their quantum economy. Intellian is a leading satellite and marine radio, terminal and antenna company headquartered in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. As a global partner to more network operators than any other manufacturer, Intellian’s hardware is critical for enabling satellite network connectivity around the world. Today’s announcement underscores Intellian’s ongoing commitment to advancing satellite communication technologies.
“IonQ has grown and prospered due to its commitment to global partnerships. We look forward to working together with Intellian to innovate and discover how quantum networking technologies can secure free communications,” said Niccolo de Masi, President & CEO of IonQ. “South Korea has been a vital partner in the advancement of quantum computing and our longstanding engagement with partners in the region reflects our shared commitment to innovation.”
de Masi continued, “IonQ’s long-term vision includes being a leader in the quantum-enabled communications industry, leveraging our expertise in quantum networking to support secure satellite to satellite and ground to satellite communications. We also ultimately envisage quantum time synchronization as a GPS alternative.”
“We’re excited to partner with IonQ to reimagine the future of satellite technologies,” said Eric Sung, CEO of Intellian. “Our technology connects customers to the satellites’ networks in space and together, we have the opportunity to explore a new technological paradigm to fundamentally transform current satellite communications and enhance services for the ms of customers who depend on them every day.”
This non-binding memorandum with Intellian advances IonQ’s vision and marks a key step toward the future of quantum-enabled satellite communications. IonQ’s connection to South Korea is deeply rooted in the company’s history. Co-founder Dr. Jungsang Kim, who was born and raised in South Korea, has been a pioneering force in the quantum computing industry. He was named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2023 for his achievements at IonQ and contributions to the quantum technology field. Over the past six years, IonQ has actively collaborated with South Korean government agencies, academic institutions, and enterprises to help advance the nation’s quantum strategy and accelerate research and commercialization efforts. In 2023 and 2024, IonQ played an active role in key national quantum initiatives, including sponsoring the Quantum Korea conference, supporting multiple quantum hackathons, and contributing to Korea’s National Quantum Strategy. Key milestones include investments from Korean global technology leaders Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor Company prior to IonQ’s 2021 IPO. IonQ has since collaborated with Hyundai on multiple quantum projects aimed at advancing next-generation batteries and autonomous vehicle technologies. Building on this momentum, IonQ signed agreements with Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University to support quantum research and workforce development. IonQ also plans to enter into a strategic partnership focused on quantum with SK Telecom, South Korea’s largest wireless telecommunications operator. As IonQ expands its global quantum capabilities, South Korea continues to be a vital partner in advancing the company’s mission to accelerate quantum innovation. Through ongoing collaboration across government, industry and academia, IonQ remains focused on supporting quantum technology and workforce development in South Korea, seeking to drive impactful progress for the future. For more information, please visit www.ionq.com and http://www.intelliantech.com (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
15 Apr 25. Rohde & Schwarz, a global leader in mobile network testing services, today announced enhanced measurement options across its testing equipment portfolio to meet the unique requirements of advanced, next-generation satellite networks. Telesat (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT), one of the world’s largest and most innovative satellite operators, has been leveraging Rohde & Schwarz’s advanced testing equipment to optimize service link design of its Telesat Lightspeed LEO network. Telesat Lightspeed aims to revolutionize global satellite connectivity by providing ubiquitous, affordable, high-capacity links at fibre-like speeds, with global service anticipated by the end of 2027.
Gerald Tietscher, Vice President Signal Generators, Power Supplies & Meters at Rohde & Schwarz, says: “At Rohde & Schwarz, we’re proud to collaborate with visionary companies like Telesat, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in satellite connectivity. Our work on the Telesat Lightspeed project exemplifies how innovative test and measurement solutions can accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies, ultimately transforming global communications. The seamless integration of our high-end test equipment into this project underscores our commitment to delivering precise, reproducible results – a crucial factor for the reliable operation of Low Earth Orbit networks.”
Telesat uses the Rohde & Schwarz signal generator R&S SMW and spectrum and signal analyzer R&S FSW to qualify and verify new RF chipsets and satellite modems across multiple vendors. The instruments are employed for testing receiver chipsets, as well as comprehensive evaluation and verification of modem performance for multiple waveforms, notably DVB-S2X and DVB-RCS2. These unique test capabilities ensure the integrity and reliability of highest data throughput rates of the Telesat Lightspeed constellation. The collaboration with Telesat led to new product enhancements to support testing advanced capabilities of the Telesat Lightspeed network, including Beam Hopping and Superframe, DVB-RCS2 with return channels that are larger than what has previously been available in satellite network deployments.
The advanced functionalities developed by Rohde & Schwarz assist not only in the development and testing of Telesat Lightspeed satellites’ onboard processors, but also serve the broader Telesat ecosystem, including modem and chipset manufacturers.
“Rohde & Schwarz’s innovative products that support the Telesat Lightspeed waveform capability are a key enabler for validating system performance prior to the availability of production satellites and ground terminals,” stated Aneesh Dalvi, Telesat’s Vice President of Lightspeed Systems Development. “The integration of Rohde & Schwarz test equipment into our LEO development labs allows Telesat to build automated development and test environments to support 24/7 availability for onsite and remote testing.”
14 Apr 25. Space Force commercial office eyes pilot for quick-reaction launches. The Space Force is exploring options to use its new Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve to facilitate on-demand launches for getting much needed capabilities on orbit quickly. Col. Richard Kniseley, who leads the service’s Commercial Space Office, told reporters in an April 10 briefing at the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colo., his team will work with the Space Force’s launch enterprise and its Space Safari office to that end. That office has been coordinating a series of Tactically Responsive Space exercises aimed at sharpening the service’s ability to react to real-time, on-orbit needs. The pilot effort will focus on establishing a framework for using the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve, or CASR, for responsive launches. Kniseley said Space Safari is particularly interested in CASR’s approach to managing supply chain risk and security issues and creating an on-call vendor pool. The goal is to start the pilot by this fall, Kniseley said, noting that the effort would largely be a tabletop exercise rather than an operational demonstration. The Space Force created the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve as a mechanism to leverage commercial capabilities both in peacetime and during a conflict. Officials have compared the program to the Air Force’s Civil Reserve Air Fleet, which contracts with commercial airlines to provide additional airlift capacity in emergencies. While the Space Force has its own military-unique requirements, commercial space companies already provide many capabilities the Defense Department relies on, including satellite communications, space domain awareness and launch services. The service in recent years has made a concerted effort to better understand how it can take advantage of those capabilities and integrate them into a range of mission areas. The Space Force awarded its first four CASR contracts in early March. The awards totaled $1.1m and went to companies who provide space domain awareness services. Kniseley said the service plans to make additional awards for satellite communications and tactical surveillance, reconnaissance and tracking — which includes data and imagery collection and dissemination. Kniseley noted that as the service starts to execute on the initial contracts, it’s still fleshing out structural elements of CASR, like the policies around prioritizing government demand and how to offer financial protection for commercial companies who might be targeted by U.S. adversaries. The Space Force is working closely with the Pentagon’s policy shop to address these questions and hopes to have results from an ongoing study in the next few months. The Commercial Space Office has also started convening CASR wargame exercises as a way to better understand the nuances of each mission area involved in the program. Kniseley said the team recently held its first commercial satellite communications wargame, bringing together several SATCOM vendors to explore how they would distribute capacity in various wartime and peacetime scenarios and weigh the demands of investors, private sector customers, government users and international allies.
“We have a number of different action items and topics we want to work on and we are now going to get back together with the SATCOM communication in May to have a deep dive to start answering some of those questions,” Kniseley said, noting that there will be a second SATCOM wargame later this year. (Source: Defense News)
14 Apr 25. UK and Cyprus strengthen space ties. Cyprus and the UK are set to collaborate more closely on space activities following a successful bilateral event held in Nicosia on 27-28 March. The first Cyprus-UK Bilateral Cooperation Event brought together representatives from the space sectors and governments of both countries, with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA). The Cypriot Government used the event to announce its intention to join ESA as an Associate Member, a move which could unlock further growth in its space sector and greater collaboration with other ESA member states such as the UK.
Professor Anu Ojha, International Director at the UK Space Agency, said: “There is great potential for collaboration on space activities to add a new dimension to the UK’s strong partnership with Cyprus. This has never been more important, with space firmly established as a vital tool for driving economic growth, environmental protection and national security.
That’s why Cyprus has been working with ESA and growing its space sector to great effect over recent years, and we are looking forward to working very closely with them in the future.”
Mr. George Komodromos, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, said: “The high-level dialogue and engagement among companies, as well as among delegations is encouraging and shows that we are moving in the right direction. We are especially grateful for the UK’s continued support of our efforts to position ourselves within the global space ecosystem, a highly revolving and rapidly changing environment in a vastly changing world.”
The event featured a number of working sessions on topics including regulation, the development of space strategies, commercial development and future missions and opportunities within ESA. Cypriot universities and companies shared information on national space projects in areas such as Earth observation, satellite research and digital infrastructure. Ten UK space companies, alongside fourteen Cypriot entities, delivered presentations on their growing capabilities, while ESA representatives explained the potential funding programmes that could support future joint UK-Cyprus initiatives. The UK is a founding member of ESA, which currently has 23 member states. In addition, Cyprus is one of four countries with a cooperation agreement with ESA, signed in 2016, aiming to achieve Associate Membership in ESA by 2026. The UK Space Agency will host a reciprocal visit by the Cypriot government, academics and companies later this year, and both countries will work together to map existing capabilities and identify areas for future collaboration. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
07 Apr 25. Rocket Lab announces expanded radio products for reliable C&C. Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has expanded the company’s suite of space-grade radio frequency (RF) communications systems, the Frontier radios—they are flight-proven, software-defined and designed for reliable telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C). Adapted from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory’s Frontier Lite radio, Rocket Lab’s high-performance Frontier radios have over 13 years of flight heritage and are now available in L-, S-, C-, X-, and Ka-band models. The radio is designed from the ground up for reliable and secure communications to support any orbit or space environment and have advanced capabilities like ranging waveforms for radiometric navigation. Frontier radios are compact and lightweight for easy integration onto any satellite. As part of Rocket Lab’s vertically integrated subsystems and components, Frontier radios are compatible with the Deep Space Network and other global ground stations, including the Near Earth Network, Air Force Satellite Control Network, KSAT, SSC, Viasat, and other commercial networks. This RF product suite is a further expansion of Rocket Lab’s component products, joining a portfolio that includes reaction wheels, star trackers, solar power systems, flight software, ground software, separation systems, and more. Frontier radios are flight-proven across a range of missions including Rocket Lab’s Photon Pathstone, three Rocket Lab Pioneer spacecraft for Varda Space Industries, NASA’s CAPSTONE, NASA’s Europa Clipper, NASA’s Solar Probe Plus, Emirates Mars, and Van Allen Probes. Upcoming, Rocket Lab’s Frontier L-band radio will be used for Viasat to support their hybrid space communications network demonstrations for NASA’s Communications Services Project. The Frontier Radio was also selected as a 2024 R&D 100 Award for innovations pushing the boundaries of research and development. We are excited to add this suite of software-defined radios to our expanding portfolio of products,” said Brad Clevenger, Vice President of Rocket Lab Space Systems. “We continue to demonstrate our ability to deliver high reliability, high performance products at constellation scale. While much of the industry struggles with supply chain challenges, Rocket Lab continues to demonstrate that it is the right partner for merchant component supply to the most demanding missions.” (Source: Satnews)
11 Apr 25. US company to use giant spinning cannon to blast hundreds of pancake-like ‘microsatellites’ into space. Rocket start-up SpinLaunch wants to catapult hundreds of flattened “microsatellites” into space at once, using a cannon-like machine that accelerates objects by spinning them. The first orbital demonstration is scheduled for next year. A California-based startup plans to launch hundreds of flattened “microsatellites” into low-Earth orbit at once, by firing rockets out of a giant centrifugal cannon. The first batch of pancake-like spacecraft could be shot into space as soon as next year — and could set a new record. SpinLaunch is a private company that aims to fire payloads into space using giant, cannon-like machines. These “cannons” accelerate spacecraft using spinning arms inside a vacuum-sealed chamber, before shooting them upward out of a barrel faster than a speeding bullet. Using this novel technology, the company aims to establish its own satellite constellation, Meridian Space, which they claim could provide more cost-effective competition to the likes of SpaceX’s Starlink network. On April 3, SpinLaunch revealed that it had received $12 m in funding from Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace (KDA), putting its total funding close to $150m. The announcement also revealed that KDA’s NanoAvionics had been selected to build the first batch of 250 satellites in the Meridian Space constellation, which could be launched during an in-orbit demonstration test planned for some point in 2026. (Source: Google)
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