thedebrief.org
• Tim McMillan
A robot has assembled part of an antenna in orbit, demonstrating a new approach to building structures too large to fit within launch-vehicle fairings. DARPA’s NOM4D program moves beyond space stations assembled from pre-built modules toward robotic construction of larger spacecraft and infrastructure in orbit.
Space Defense & Militarization
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The U.S. military appears increasingly concerned about a shortage of launch capacity, with one assessment saying the supply crunch is “exactly the situation we predicted.” The available report does not identify the affected launch providers, missions or proposed response.
An editorial warns that Democrats’ control of Congress gives lawmakers both the authority and the appetite to challenge major spending commitments by President Trump, including those tied to preserving U.S. strategic advantage in space. The dispute raises the prospect of political gridlock shaping the direction and funding of national space priorities.
The defense technology company says it has tested all three systems in orbit. One is an infrared sensor designed to track spacecraft while they pass through Earth’s shadow, extending the company’s announced space-surveillance payload portfolio.
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has reached a long-term agreement with Seagate Space to use Gateway, Seagate’s first offshore launch platform. The companies said the partnership will advance mobile offshore launch capabilities for national security missions; the announcement did not disclose the agreement’s value or operational timeline.
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A robot has assembled part of an antenna in orbit, demonstrating a new approach to building structures too large to fit within launch-vehicle fairings. DARPA’s NOM4D program moves beyond space stations assembled from pre-built modules toward robotic construction of larger spacecraft and infrastructure in orbit.
High activity
The French defense procurement agency has selected Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space to develop the IRIS ultra-high-resolution optical observation system. The satellites will replace three existing spacecraft, with improved imaging and faster access to collected imagery for French armed forces.
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