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25 Apr 25. US Space Force develops new gateway for commercial, legacy data. Programme officials at the US Space Force (USSF) are in the midst of standing up a new data gateway to allow space-based collection platforms to access and transmit legacy data previously inaccessible by current USSF systems. USSF’s Space Systems Command (SSC) awarded Virginia-based data integration company Raft a USD2.9 million other transaction authority (OTA) deal in April to develop the new application programming interface (API) gateway for service intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems. The new API gateway, once mature, is designed to be an “enhancement tool that expands data accessibility and enables interoperability”, according to a USSF statement. Specifically, the new gateway will allow access for USSF assets into the service’s Unified Data Library (UDL). Officially coming online in 2019, the UDL is a “cloud-based, multiclassification repository” for operational data on space-based objects collected from commercial and military satellites, service officials explained in the statement. While the collection side of the UDL effort continues apace, “many producers of [UDL] data … have legacy data messaging formats that cannot be read by modern API endpoints, making much of this data unusable”, according to USSF officials. The new API gateway under development will translate data from legacy formats into ones that can be read by current systems equipped with “modern API endpoints”, the statement said. This data translation will be executed automatically, via the new API gateway tool, “thus making data more accessible, available, and usable for military purposes at the speed of need”, service officials added in the statement. (Source: Janes)
24 Apr 25. Rocket Lab Awarded New HASTE Launch Contract for the DOD by Kratos. Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has been selected by Kratos to launch a full-scale hypersonic test flight for the Department of Defense (DOD) under the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) 2.0 program. The mission will launch on Rocket Lab’s HASTE rocket from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 on Wallops Island, Virginia no earlier than Q1, 2026. The launch agreement is the first full-scale flight test to be awarded by Kratos under the MACH-TB 2.0 contract, a $1.45 bn program designed to rapidly expand the number and frequency of opportunities to test hypersonic technologies for the nation. Rocket Lab was selected to join the Kratos-led team of subcontractors for MACH-TB 2.0 in January this year after previously delivering multiple successful hypersonic test launches for the first iteration of the MACH-TB program from 2023. Successful missions to date include three launches for the DOD – including twice within just 21 days – from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 2 in Virginia. Operating at an unmatched commercial price, capability, and launch cadence, HASTE is uniquely qualified to meet the needs of the MACH-TB mission. A suborbital variant of Electron – the world’s most frequently launched small orbital rocket – HASTE includes much of the same innovative technology as Electron, including carbon fiber composite structures and 3D printed rocket engines, but has a modified upper Kick Stage tailored for hypersonic technology tests and a larger payload capacity of up to 700 kg / 1,540 lbs. HASTE can deploy technologies at speeds of more than 7.5km per second to test air-breathing, glide, and ballistic payloads, as well as technologies to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere from space. Combined, Rocket Lab’s HASTE and Electron launch vehicles have deployed 200+ payloads to date.
Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, says: “In less than two years since its first launch, HASTE has quickly emerged as a leading commercial test platform of hypersonic systems. With our operational speed and cadence, and the ability to serve multiple mission profiles all in one platform, HASTE is helping to move the needle on hypersonic innovation. I’m confident this will be the first of many new opportunities to serve the nation through the MACH-TB program, and we’re proud to be working alongside Kratos to bring this test flight to the launch pad on a rapid timeline.”
The mission is the latest to join an increasing manifest of HASTE launches for 2025 and 2026. Upcoming flight tests with HASTE include a mission for the Defense Innovation Unit to deploy a scram-jet powered vehicle at hypersonic speed; continuation of a multi-launch contract with Leidos to deploy five missions in total for the first iteration of the MACH-TB program; and a hypersonic test flight for a confidential customer. In addition to MACH-TB, HASTE has recently been onboarded to two significant defense initiatives. In the United States, HASTE is now part of the $46bn Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract (EWAAC) under the United States Air Force. This inclusion enables Rocket Lab to compete to provide launch services and engineering expertise to support the development of new capabilities. In the United Kingdom, HASTE has been added to the Ministry of Defence’s (UK MOD) Hypersonic Technologies & Capability Development Framework (HTCDF), a £1 bn (~$1.3bn) program aimed at rapidly advancing the nation’s hypersonic capabilities. (Source: ASD Network)
23 Apr 25. South Korea launches fourth military reconnaissance satellite. The satellite separated normally approximately 15 minutes after liftoff and achieved its target orbit. The South Korean Ministry of National Defence and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) have announced the successful launch of the country’s fourth military reconnaissance satellite from Cape Canaveral Space Station in the US. The satellite, which was carried by a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, separated normally approximately 15 minutes after liftoff and achieved its target orbit. Around 56 minutes post-launch, the satellite established successful communication with the ground station, confirming its operational status. This latest addition to South Korea’s reconnaissance capabilities is equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), similar to the technology on satellites two and three, which allows for high-resolution imaging in all weather conditions and during both day and night. The satellite will undergo a space orbit test to verify its performance, led by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD). Following this, the military will conduct an operational test and evaluation before the satellite commences its surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The enhanced capabilities provided by the fourth satellite are expected to identify provocations from North Korea more accurately. This is due to the reduced revisit cycle made possible by the swarm operation of the reconnaissance satellites, which now includes the first three launched satellites. DAPA head and launch management unit head and Seok Jong-geon said: “Following the successful launch of the 4th satellite this time, we plan to launch all military reconnaissance satellites by the end of this year, and if we launch the ultra-small satellite currently under development in the future, our military will be able to establish its own space power and leap forward as a strong national defence space force.
“In addition, we will continue to make efforts to build a domestic ground launch site to enhance our space operation capabilities and to be able to launch satellites using launch vehicles developed with our own technology.”
The development of the fourth military reconnaissance satellite represents a collaborative effort between the ADD and domestic companies, with DAPA overseeing the project management. This project strengthens South Korea’s military surveillance as well as contributes to the accumulation of domestic satellite development experience. The launch follows ADD’s recent demonstration of AI-based photonic radar technology, which has the potential to detect and identify small-scale aircraft, such as drones. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
22 Apr 25. Optus forced to delay ‘straight to mobile’ Starlink. Optus has been forced to delay the introduction of its “straight-to-mobile” service with Starlink, which will eventually allow users in remote areas to make calls via satellite. The technology was due to launch with texts late last year, but The Australian reports the pushback occurred because parent company SpaceX encountered regulatory hurdles in the US. The update comes despite the technology launching commercially in the United States and New Zealand earlier this month. In a statement, Optus said it was still “committed” to the technology and would continue to work with Starlink to determine “timelines that enable the best possible experience for customers”. Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology is unique because it does not require customers to obtain specific hardware and will work on all compatible handsets. It works because its satellites essentially function as cell towers in space to expand terrestrial coverage into otherwise unreached areas.
“Over the past year, SpaceX has rapidly scaled the Direct to Cell network, launching a constellation of over 400 satellites,” said SpaceX in a statement announcing services in the US and New Zealand has gone live.
“In 2024, millions of messages were sent through Starlink Direct to Cell during Beta testing and in emergency scenarios to provide critical connectivity to the public.
“The availability of the commercial messaging service is the first step in our vision of eliminating mobile dead zones and providing ubiquitous global connectivity using satellite-to-mobile technology.”
Starlink in January last year launched its first direct-to-cell satellite, which orbits a few hundred kilometres above Earth’s surface and flies at tens of thousands of kilometres per hour relative to users on the ground.
“This creates unique challenges, including the need to account for doppler shift, latency, and overcoming the low antenna gain and transmit power of terrestrial devices,” added SpaceX.
“Addressing these obstacles required rapid innovation from the Starlink team, including the development and engineering of new phased array antennas, custom silicon, and complex software algorithms to optimise beam size and placement.”
Telstra has also signed a similar straight-to-mobile deal with Starlink, while TPG is working towards a tie-up with Lynk Global. It comes after Space Connect reported earlier this month how Starlink’s traditional antenna service is continuing to massively outperform NBN’s satellite rival. The latest Measuring Broadband Australia Report gathered data from users in December 2024. It found that the latency of NBN’s geostationary satellite service, Sky Muster, averaged 663 milliseconds across all hours, compared to just 31 milliseconds on LEO rival Starlink. Those figures are similar to the 665 and 30 milliseconds recorded in the previous report, which measured performance in September. The numbers suggest Sky Muster would struggle to consistently stream high-quality videos or play computer games online. LEO satellite constellations, such as Starlink, offer quicker services than traditional geostationary satellites, such as NBN Sky Muster, because they are closer to Earth. The lower height though means LEOs cover a smaller area and need to operate in larger, connected constellations to be effective. Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, has the advantage of being able to launch thousands of satellites without paying external customers because it operates its own reusable rockets. It’s currently thought there are around 7,000 Starlink satellites in orbit, with plans for a final constellation of 40,000. (Source: Space Connect)
21 Apr 25. Boeing looks to existing production lines for Golden Dome pitch. The head of Boeing’s space mission systems business envisions at least two of the company’s product lines as a clear fit for the Pentagon’s Golden Dome homeland missile defense capability — the X-37B spaceplane and a fleet of missile-tracking satellites the firm is developing for the Space Development Agency’s “Foo Fighter” program. The Pentagon is still crafting its architecture recommendations for the project, which will include a mix of advanced sensors and potentially a fleet of in-space interceptors designed to defeat enemy missiles. Officials have said this initial analysis phase involves determining which existing capabilities to scale and what new technologies it will need to develop. Boeing’s Michelle Parker told Defense News the company’s conversations with the Pentagon about Golden Dome have focused on which production lines the company can ramp up and where it can invest over time to bring new technology to existing systems.
“In addition to the technology aspects of Golden Dome, it’s the ability to get something quickly at scale,” she told Defense News in an interview at Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. “So, what do you have now that can get up there and start to be part of that architecture, and then how do you evolve it?”
Boeing has been evolving its X-37B, an orbital test vehicle, on a regular basis since its first mission in 2010. While not an operational spacecraft, the vehicle is used to fly experiments and test maneuvers and operational concepts in orbit, most of them veiled in secrecy. The reusable spacecraft returned from its seventh mission in March, where it demonstrated a novel aerobraking maneuver, which allows it to change orbits using minimal fuel. Space Force officials said the learnings from this mission will inform future space operations. Boeing has built two X-37Bs, to date, and Parker said the company has the capacity to produce more if called upon.
“We would love to do that, and we believe we can,” she said.
Parker declined to discuss specifics about Boeing’s proposal for how existing capabilities might fit into the Golden Dome architecture. It’s possible the X-37B could be used to support what will likely be a rigorous test program required to validate space-based interceptor technology and the sensor network. Boeing also has expertise supporting missile warning and defense programs. Its small satellite subsidiary, Millennium Space Systems, is developing satellites for the Space Force’s Resilient Missile Warning and Missile Tracking layer in medium Earth orbit. The company is also providing satellites for the Space Development Agency’s Foo Fighter program. Millennium is under contract to build eight Foo Fighter satellites — and the associated ground systems — that can detect and track hypersonic missile threats. The spacecraft will carry sensors from L3Harris. Millennium recently passed a key design review for the program, keeping it on track to deliver the first eight satellites by 2026. To help meet Foo Fighter production demands, Parker said Boeing is expanding Millennium’s footprint within the larger company’s satellite factory, essentially doubling its capacity. If DOD calls on the firm to produce more of these spacecraft, she said, Boeing is prepared to do that and will look at ways to use more automated manufacturing tools to streamline and make more space where needed.
“We’re trying to take an approach that we’ve got our stable production lines operating. If the demand signal says expand, we can do that within the space we have,” she said. (Source: Defense News)
12 Apr 25. SpaceX sends NROL-192 spy satellites on Saturday on secret mission + two more NROL launches this week. On Saturday, April 12 at 5:25 a.m. PT, Falcon 9 launched the NROL-192 mission from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Photos by Satnews. This was the 24th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, Transporter-9, NROL-146, Bandwagon-2, NROL-153 and 14 Starlink missions.
The two other NROL missions are:
- April 16 NROL-174 from Vandenberg
- April 19 NROL-145 from Vandenberg
SpaceX plans NROL-192 launch of spy satellites on secret mission this Saturday
SpaceX is targeting Saturday, April 12 for a Falcon 9 launch of the NROL-192 mission from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 5:25 a.m. PT. If needed, a backup opportunity is available on Sunday, April 13 starting at 5:09 a.m. PT.
The mission payload contains a batch of spy satellites that will join up with a proliferated architecture constellation constructed by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman on behalf of the National Reconnaissance Office. The satellite constellation, once completed, will deliver space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems designed to be responsive to future national security challenges, according to NRO officials. No sonic boom is expected to be heard locally. A live webcast of this mission will begin about 10 minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch on X @SpaceX. This is the 24th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, Transporter-9, NROL-146, Bandwagon-2, NROL-153, and 14 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean. (Source: Satnews)
17 Apr 25. Firefly Aerospace’s launch of Lockheed Martin’s FLTA006 Message in a Booster mission is ‘to be determined.’ Lockheed Martin is set to launch its self-funded LM 400 technology demonstration satellite aboard Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha FLTA006 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base. While the precise date and time remain undisclosed, the upcoming launch represents a major step in advancing space-based capabilities. Firefly Aerospace’s launch of Lockheed Martin’s FLTA006 (Message in a Booster) from Space Launch Complex 2W, Vandenberg SFB, California, is yet to be determined. Alpha FLTA006 is the second mission Firefly is launching for Lockheed Martin and the first of Firefly’s multi-launch agreement with Lockheed Martin that includes up to 25 missions over the next five years. This mission will launch Lockheed Martin’s LM 400 tech demo to prove out the risk-reduction and pathfinding efforts the company has done for its multi-mission satellite bus. Launching the mid-size satellite to low Earth orbit, FLTA006 will further validate Alpha’s robust performance to take customers directly to their preferred orbits as the only operational 1 metric ton rocket. The LM 400 is Lockheed Martin’s most flexible and capable satellite platform with multi-mission capabilities that can be tailored for almost any mission, including remote sensing, communications, imaging and radar. Firefly Aerospace’s Firefly Alpha to launch Lockheed Martin’s FLTA006 Message in a Booster mission on Friday On Friday, April 18 Firefly Aerospace will launch FLTA006 (Message in a Booster) between 6:37 AM – 8:17 AM PDT Space Launch Complex 2W, Vandenberg SFB, California, at a cost of $15m. Firefly Aerospace is an American private aerospace firm based in Austin, Texas, that develops small and medium-sized launch vehicles for commercial launches to orbit. The forecast calls for a temperature of 51°F, clear skies, 0% cloud cover and a wind speed of 14mph. This launch will be the sixth flight of the Firefly Alpha small satellite launcher, launching the demonstration mission for Lockheed Martin’s new LM400 satellite bus, which will carry a communications payload. The satellite bus is customizable to support different missions, including remote sensing, communications, imagery and radar Earth observations. It can also support different kinds of orbits and launch configurations. (Source: Satnews)
16 Apr 25. Northrop Grumman’s “superb launch” NROL-174 on secret reconnaissance mission for Space Force and NRO. The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), in partnership with U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Small Launch and Targets Division, Space Launch Delta 30, and Northrop Grumman, successfully launched multiple national security payloads with the NROL-174 mission aboard a Northrop Grumman Minotaur IV rocket from Space Launch Complex 8 (SLC-8) at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) April 16, 2025, at 3:33 p.m. EDT. NROL-174 marks another successful mission in a long-standing partnership with SSC through the Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP). RSLP, the small launch counterpart to the National Security Space Launch program, focuses on the small launch market and primarily launches more risk-tolerant experimental, research and development, responsive space, and operational missions.
“This launch is a testament to what the national security launch enterprise is able to achieve,” said Laura Robinson, Deputy Director, NRO Office of Space Launch, and NROL-174 Mission Director. “The NROL-174 Minotaur IV rocket was once a Peacekeeper ICBM that sat watch 24/7 in support of our nation’s nuclear deterrent. Now modified for space launch, it completed its final mission of placing a national security payload on orbit, a credit to the decades-long dedication of those who were part of the missile’s early development, maintenance and operations, and innovative conversion into the Minotaur IV rocket. It was truly a team effort.”
NROL-174 is the third NRO mission launched from SSC RSLP’s Orbital/Suborbital Program-3 contract. Today’s Minotaur IV rocket launch follows previous Minotaur family of rocket launches with NROL-129 in July 2020 and NROL-111 in June 2021, both from Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. NRO last launched a Minotaur rocket from VSFB with NROL-66 in 2011. (Source: Satnews)
17 Apr 25. Sidus Space’s LizzieSat®-powered vessel detection enables Little Place Labs near real-time maritime intelligence. Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU) a space mission enabler, announces the unveiling of near real-time vessel detection and classification capability to be enabled by its hybrid 3D printed LizzieSat® satellite platform. Processing data directly onboard LizzieSat® through Sidus Orlaith™ AI Ecosystem, which includes FeatherEdge™ edge computing hardware, and the OrbitfyEdge software from Little Place Labs, represents a significant advancement in space-based maritime intelligence. Left to right: Jim Larson, Senior VP, AI Strategic Initiatives for Sidus Space, Carol Craig, Founder and CEO of Sidus Space, Bosco Lai, Co-Founder and CEO of Little Place Labs and David Braithwaite, Chief Federal Strategy Officer for Little Place Labs. In January 2025, Sidus and Little Place Labs (LPL) formed a strategic partnership and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop integrated satellite solutions based on edge computing and AI applications. This collaboration aims to meet the growing needs of a global customer base and is expected to provide accurate vessel detection and classification within one hour of satellite observation. By processing data directly onboard LizzieSat® satellites, OrbitfyEdge is expected to eliminate the delays traditionally associated with downlinking and ground-based analysis. This solution not only detects and classifies vessels but also cross-references onboard AIS (Automatic Identification System) data to identify or flag “dark” vessels engaged in illegal activities such as piracy or illegal fishing. The insights will be delivered in near real-time, supporting rapid response to maritime security threats and supply chain disruptions.
“We are excited to support Little Place Labs in delivering near real-time maritime intelligence through our LizzieSat® constellation,” said Jim Larson, Sidus Space Senior Vice President of AI Strategic Initiatives. “By enabling edge processing in orbit with our FeatherEdge™ onboard edge computing hardware, we’re reducing the time from data capture to actionable insight, which is critical for operations where every minute counts. This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing space-based AI and making satellite data more immediate and impactful.” (Source: Satnews)
17 Apr 25. Italy moves ahead with study for 100-satellite constellation. The Italian government has approved Phase 2 of a feasibility study exploring the possibility of the country developing an 100-satellite constellation. While few details have been announced, initial reports indicate that the constellation will support communications and be designed for interoperability with other similar systems. In late 2024, the Interministerial Committee for Space and Aerospace Policies (Comint) tasked the Italian Space Agency (ASI) with conducting a feasibility study on the development of a new satellite constellation. According to a Ministry of Business and Made in Italy update, the project aims to satisfy the objectives outlined in the Disegno di Legge Spaziale (Space Bill), which was approved by the Italian Chamber of Deputies on 6 March 2025. However, all official communication from ASI or the Italian government has not included the planned focus of the constellation. In March 2025, ASI delivered the initial study to the government. On 28 March, the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy announced that it would move ahead with Phase 2, signaling a seemingly favorable response to the agency’s findings. The second phase of the feasibility study will see ASI consult with interested industry partners to assess Italy’s capability to develop the constellation.
“ASI will meet with our companies to understand if they are capable, on their own, of creating the constellation,” said the Minister for Business and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso.
Phase 2 is expected to be completed by September, after which a more detailed projection of the project, including its potential cost, will become clear. While few details of the feasibility study’s findings have been made public, the Italian financial newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore has reported that the constellation would comprise around 100 satellites and could be delivered within five years. It also claimed that in addition to meeting its own needs, the Italian government has proposed offering the service to other countries. On 31 March, Reuters cited a source close to the matter who stated that the constellation would be designed to “work together with others, not necessarily on its own.” The report also indicated that the system is unlikely to become operational before 2031. A secure communications constellation would be the second large constellation of satellites Italy has taken on. The country is currently developing IRIDE, an Earth observation constellation that will comprise over 60 satellites and will cost approximately €1.3 bn. The constellation will include a mix of optical, radar, panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral, and infrared instruments and is expected to be fully operational by June 2026.
Update: This article was updated on 16 April to remove mention of the constellation being a national alternative to IRIS2. While that may still be the case, the evidence currently available suggests otherwise. (Source: Satnews)
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