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DefenseNews.com • Michael Scanlon

Space Force positions SWORD as linchpin for contested‑space training and readiness

The Space Warfighter Operational Readiness Domain (SWORD) is being positioned by the U.S. Space Force as a cornerstone for maintaining space superiority, delivering realistic, contested‑domain training. Built to scale across units, SWORD integrates cloud technologies to provide adaptable, distributed operational readiness for Guardians and joint partners.

2026-01-28T14:19:44.942641-08:00

gao.gov

GAO: SDA proliferated missile‑tracking constellation faces tech‑readiness, cost and schedule shortfalls

2026-01-28T08:09:27.596552-08:00

SpaceNews.com

U.S. Space Command to bring commercial firms into classified wargame on nuclear threats in space

2026-01-28T12:04:10.377905-08:00

Breaking Defense

SPACECOM unveils 'Apollo Maneuvers' on-orbit warfighting exercise

2026-01-28T11:38:52.503940-08:00

News Timeline

DefenseNews.com

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Space Force positions SWORD as linchpin for contested‑space training and readiness The Space Warfighter Operational Readiness Domain (SWORD) is being positioned by the U.S. Space Force as a cornerstone for maintaining space superiority, delivering realistic, contested‑domain training. Built to scale across units, SWORD integrates cloud technologies to provide adaptable, distributed operational readiness for Guardians and joint partners.

2026-01-28T14:19:44.942641-08:00

Space Force positions SWORD as linchpin for contested‑space training and readiness

SpaceNews.com

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U.S. Space Command to bring commercial firms into classified wargame on nuclear threats in space U.S. Space Command will invite commercial space companies to participate in a classified wargame focused on nuclear threats in space. The move folds industry partners into sensitive military scenario planning and highlights increasing reliance on commercial capabilities in contested-orbit rehearsals.

2026-01-28T12:04:10.377905-08:00

U.S. Space Command to bring commercial firms into classified wargame on nuclear threats in space

Breaking Defense

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SPACECOM unveils 'Apollo Maneuvers' on-orbit warfighting exercise Gen. Stephen Whiting unveiled 'Apollo Maneuvers', a U.S. Space Command exercise concept that envisions coordinated on‑orbit satellite movements, responsive launch and 'spectrum maneuvering', modeled on Army and Marine maneuver warfare concepts. The initiative explicitly frames on‑orbit activity as warfighting practice.

2026-01-28T11:38:52.503940-08:00

SPACECOM unveils 'Apollo Maneuvers' on-orbit warfighting exercise

SpaceNews.com

Space Command urges Pentagon to treat orbital logistics as a distinct capability Space Command is pressing the Pentagon to think beyond launch and establish orbital logistics — on‑orbit refueling, resupply, servicing and maneuver support — as core capabilities. The argument frames sustainment in space as separate planning, infrastructure and acquisition challenges requiring focused investment.

2026-01-28T11:18:19.024647-08:00

Space Command urges Pentagon to treat orbital logistics as a distinct capability

Breaking Defense

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Space Force launches Lockheed-built ninth GPS III (SV09) on SpaceX Falcon 9 U.S. Space Force launched Lockheed Martin’s ninth GPS III satellite (SV09), named for Col. Ellison Onizuka, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral. The new asset boosts GPS constellation accuracy and resilience even as lawmakers press for anti‑jam funding and a clearer long‑term PNT strategy.

2026-01-28T09:18:32.972766-08:00

Space Force launches Lockheed-built ninth GPS III (SV09) on SpaceX Falcon 9

gao.gov

GAO: SDA proliferated missile‑tracking constellation faces tech‑readiness, cost and schedule shortfalls A Jan. 28 GAO report found the Space Development Agency’s proliferated missile‑warning and tracking constellation overstates technology readiness and faces significant risks to cost, schedule and capability delivery. SDA disputed many specifics but said it will work through the report’s recommendations as deployments progress.

2026-01-28T08:09:27.596552-08:00

GAO: SDA proliferated missile‑tracking constellation faces tech‑readiness, cost and schedule shortfalls

Bloomberg

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EU activates GOVSATCOM's first secure service in €10.6bn push to reduce reliance on Starlink/US The EU has activated initial elements of GOVSATCOM, switching on eight satellites contributed by five member states as part of a €10.6bn programme to field a homegrown secure satellite‑communications service — positioned as an alternative to Starlink and US systems amid rising geopolitical tension.

2026-01-28T03:09:32.750566-08:00

EU activates GOVSATCOM's first secure service in €10.6bn push to reduce reliance on Starlink/US

Payload

Northrop, Raytheon report 2025 earnings; Northrop's space-systems sales dip Northrop Grumman and Raytheon reported 2025 earnings; Northrop's space‑systems segment recorded a year‑over‑year sales decline despite companywide improvements following 2024. The results underscore uneven demand in defense space work and will influence Northrop's near‑term program‑level priorities and investor outlook for defense primes.

2026-01-27T14:21:37.516176-08:00

Northrop, Raytheon report 2025 earnings; Northrop's space-systems sales dip

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Space Defense & Militarization News

Space Force positions SWORD as linchpin for contested‑space training and readiness

GAO: SDA proliferated missile‑tracking constellation faces tech‑readiness, cost and schedule shortfalls

U.S. Space Command to bring commercial firms into classified wargame on nuclear threats in space

SPACECOM unveils 'Apollo Maneuvers' on-orbit warfighting exercise

News Timeline