Space Defense & Militarization News

SpaceNews.com

U.S. Space Force plans two commercial satellite-servicing missions for 2027

The U.S. Space Force is preparing two commercial satellite-servicing missions for 2027 to test technologies and operational concepts that could give military spacecraft greater freedom to maneuver after launch. The missions will assess commercial capabilities for on-orbit support of national-security space assets.

Space Intel Report

Commercial ISR Satellite Providers Expand Globally as Nations Seek Sovereign Intelligence Capacity

Commercial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellite providers are expanding internationally as governments seek more than access to foreign constellations. Nations increasingly want dedicated capacity—and eventually the ability to build ISR satellites domestically—reshaping competition in commercial space, national security and sovereign aerospace capabilities.

Breaking Defense

Sources: SpaceX given unique access to classified DoD space-tracking data

Commercial space-monitoring firms are concerned that SpaceX’s reported unique access to the Defense Department’s best classified space-tracking data could give the company an advantage in a competitive market. The arrangement, disclosed by sources to Breaking Defense, raises questions about access and competitive neutrality.

AirForceTimes

Leonardo DRS Showcases JTT-X Hybrid SATCOM for Tactical Aircraft

Leonardo DRS is showcasing JTT-X, a hybrid SATCOM system designed to combine multiple satellite networks for secure communications and connectivity aboard military aircraft. The system is aimed at maintaining reliable links in contested environments, where disruption or degradation of communications can directly affect tactical operations.

DefenseNews.com

Europe’s push for sovereign space capabilities reshapes the defense market

European countries are accelerating efforts to reduce reliance on U.S. satellite data after access restrictions during recent crises exposed strategic vulnerabilities. The shift is driving demand for sovereign space-based intelligence and defense capabilities, with implications for market competition, procurement priorities and transatlantic dependencies.

UK Defence Journal

High activity

UK RAF forms first Space Effects Squadron for offensive and defensive orbital operations

The UK Royal Air Force has established No. 3 Space Effects Squadron, its first dedicated unit for disrupting, degrading and denying hostile activity in space while protecting critical satellites. Announced at the UK Space Power Conference, the squadron will employ electronic warfare and counter-anti-satellite capabilities.

Reuters

Boeing’s Insitu and Gogo test OneWeb-connected military drone as Starlink alternative

Boeing subsidiary Insitu and Gogo Special Missions have completed testing of a Group 3 uncrewed aerial system fitted with Gogo’s Galileo HDX antenna and connected to Eutelsat’s OneWeb satellite network. The effort gives military operators another high-speed connectivity option beyond SpaceX’s Starlink.

SpaceNews.com

High activity

Europe advances sovereign LEO connectivity through OneWeb rail trials, Sateliot’s ESA selection and Axiom partnership

Eutelsat demonstrated OneWeb LEO connectivity on Poland’s live PKP Intercity rail network, while Sateliot joined ESA’s IRIS² consolidation phase for the low-LEO layer. Separately, ESA and Axiom Space signed an MoU aimed at expanding Europe’s access to low Earth orbit and related capabilities.