#national security space

All articles tagged with "national security space"

DAF study finds new space launch site 'probably' required - Breaking Defense

Space Force Study Points to Need for a New U.S. Heavy-Launch Range

A new Department of the Air Force study says the United States will probably need another launch site capable of heavy and super-heavy missions as military and commercial demand outgrows current range capacity.

Key Takeaways

Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said a new study shows the U.S. probably needs another heavy-launch-capable site.
The Space Force alone is planning roughly 1,000 launches between fiscal 2027 and 2031.

DT Editorial Team·May 21, 2026·via breakingdefense.com

SpaceX launches final GPS 3 satellite, closing a major Space Force upgrade cycle

A Falcon 9 launched GPS 3 SV-10 into medium Earth orbit, completing the ten-satellite GPS 3 series and marking the fourth consecutive GPS mission shifted from ULA to SpaceX.

Key Takeaways

Falcon 9 launched GPS 3 SV-10 from Cape Canaveral on April 21, 2026.
SV-10 is the tenth and final Lockheed Martin-built GPS 3 satellite.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 21, 2026·via spacenews.com

Blue Origin Moves Closer to a California Base for New Glenn

The U.S. Space Force has down-selected Blue Origin to continue toward a lease at Space Launch Complex 14, a key step in bringing New Glenn operations to Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Key Takeaways

The Space Force selected Blue Origin to continue toward developing SLC-14 at Vandenberg.
The site would be Blue Origin’s first California launch base for New Glenn.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 16, 2026·via spaceflightnow.com