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SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Force awards SpaceX $57M crosslink demo using Link-182 for MILNET data relay

The Space Systems Command, the U.S. Space Force’s acquisition arm, awarded SpaceX a $57 million contract to demonstrate satellite-to-satellite communications using Link-182. The radio-frequency data-link standard has been adopted for the MILNET data relay network.

2026-04-23T14:50:27.221197-07:00

Space Intel Report

Iridium schedules July launch of dedicated PNT ASIC as it builds higher-power GNSS backup and reiterates 2030 revenue outlook

2026-04-23T11:25:11.508343-07:00

Ars Technica

US Space Command: Russia operationalizing co-orbital anti-satellite weapons

2026-04-23T10:05:59.580455-07:00

SpaceWatch Global

Space Symposium 2026 agenda signals U.S. pivot to cislunar operations—lunar base push by 2030 and a strained Outer Space Treaty

2026-04-23T05:34:22.939225-07:00

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Space Force awards SpaceX $57M crosslink demo using Link-182 for MILNET data relay The Space Systems Command, the U.S. Space Force’s acquisition arm, awarded SpaceX a $57 million contract to demonstrate satellite-to-satellite communications using Link-182. The radio-frequency data-link standard has been adopted for the MILNET data relay network.

2026-04-23T14:50:27.221197-07:00

Space Force awards SpaceX $57M crosslink demo using Link-182 for MILNET data relay

SpaceNews.com

Space Systems Command awards SpaceX $57.3M for Link-182 space-to-space military comms Space Systems Command awarded SpaceX a $57,303,302 firm-fixed-price contract to develop and demonstrate the Link-182 Space-to-Space Communications System in Hawthorne, California. The award underscores ongoing Pentagon investment in resilient, space-based crosslink capabilities for defense missions.

2026-04-23T14:50:27.221197-07:00

Space Systems Command awards SpaceX $57.3M for Link-182 space-to-space military comms

Space Intel Report

Iridium schedules July launch of dedicated PNT ASIC as it builds higher-power GNSS backup and reiterates 2030 revenue outlook Iridium says it expects to roll out its dedicated PNT ASIC in July as part of a higher-power backup for GPS and other GNSS systems, while holding its forecast for at least $100 million in annual revenue by 2030. The company also set an April 23, 2026 earnings call for Q1 results.

2026-04-23T11:25:11.508343-07:00

Iridium schedules July launch of dedicated PNT ASIC as it builds higher-power GNSS backup and reiterates 2030 revenue outlook

Ars Technica

US Space Command: Russia operationalizing co-orbital anti-satellite weapons U.S. Space Command says Russia is moving beyond demonstrations and is now operationalizing co-orbital ASAT weapons positioned to reach “high-value” satellites. The shift underscores an evolving threat model for on-orbit capabilities and the increased risk posed by maneuverable, closely operating interceptor systems.

2026-04-23T10:05:59.580455-07:00

US Space Command: Russia operationalizing co-orbital anti-satellite weapons

SpaceWatch Global

Space Symposium 2026 agenda signals U.S. pivot to cislunar operations—lunar base push by 2030 and a strained Outer Space Treaty An #SpaceWatchGL opinion argues that Space Symposium 2026 framed American supremacy as policy and force posture: a lunar base by 2030, Space Force operations on the Moon, and mounting stress on the Outer Space Treaty. The piece ties these themes to broader pressure on space governance and escalation risk.

2026-04-23T05:34:22.939225-07:00

Space Symposium 2026 agenda signals U.S. pivot to cislunar operations—lunar base push by 2030 and a strained Outer Space Treaty

SpaceWatch Global

Switzerland launches new space command to deliver dual-use capabilities amid contested orbital environment Switzerland is creating a new space command focused on dual-use capabilities, European cooperation, and maintaining stability in an increasingly contested orbital environment. The effort—outlined in the context of Space Symposium 2026—centers on aligning national priorities with partner frameworks for space resilience.

2026-04-23T01:20:03.519487-07:00

Switzerland launches new space command to deliver dual-use capabilities amid contested orbital environment

The Economist

Anduril, Palantir and SpaceX emerge as “neo-primes” reshaping how the US wages war as Iran war refines requirements An opinion piece argues the Trump administration is aligning with a “neo-prime” circle—Anduril, Palantir and SpaceX—to change US force employment. It frames the Iran war as a pressure test that is reshaping defense-tech priorities, operational concepts and the balance between autonomy/AI and space-enabled capabilities.

2026-04-23T00:06:11.258886-07:00

Anduril, Palantir and SpaceX emerge as “neo-primes” reshaping how the US wages war as Iran war refines requirements

DefenseNews.com

EDRS-A to launch with space-based laser communications payload for secure, high-capacity data links A space-based laser communications system integrated on the European Data Relay System (EDRS)-A satellite payload is scheduled for launch Jan. 27. ESA and Airbus Defence & Space describe it as a secure, high-capacity data transmitter supporting both commercial and military operators.

2026-04-22T17:50:05.414500-07:00

EDRS-A to launch with space-based laser communications payload for secure, high-capacity data links

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Space Defense & Militarization News

Space Force awards SpaceX $57M crosslink demo using Link-182 for MILNET data relay

Iridium schedules July launch of dedicated PNT ASIC as it builds higher-power GNSS backup and reiterates 2030 revenue outlook

US Space Command: Russia operationalizing co-orbital anti-satellite weapons

Space Symposium 2026 agenda signals U.S. pivot to cislunar operations—lunar base push by 2030 and a strained Outer Space Treaty

News Timeline