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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

Via Satellite

GomSpace and Ukraine partners form JV to build sovereign satellites in-country

2026-04-24T15:10:55.733287-07:00

Space Intel Report

US, France, UK, Norway and Germany space commanders map “deeper allied cooperation” goals for the next two years

2026-04-24T13:05:33.482426-07:00

SpaceNews.com

Space Force awards $3.2B contract set to 12 firms for Golden Dome space-based interceptor prototypes

2026-04-24T16:24:07.924039-07:00

News Timeline

European Spaceflight

Rheinmetall to establish satellite testing facility in Andøya, Norway Rheinmetall has signed a Letter of Intent to establish a new satellite testing facility in Andøya, Norway. The agreement aims to expand the company’s Nordic space and defense-industrial test footprint, aligning with broader efforts to scale satellite-related experimentation and validation work.

2026-04-25T04:34:27.650016-07:00

Rheinmetall to establish satellite testing facility in Andøya, Norway

DefenseNews.com

Air Force: “Disappointed” SpaceX not certified for military launches by end-2014, but confident it will meet USSF requirements The secretary of the U.S. Air Force said he is “disappointed” SpaceX was not certified for military space launch by the end of 2014, but remains confident the company can meet service-set requirements. The statement underscores how certification timing shapes Pentagon launch assurance and program risk.

2026-04-25T00:50:54.605642-07:00

Air Force: “Disappointed” SpaceX not certified for military launches by end-2014, but confident it will meet USSF requirements

Bloomberg

SpaceX tapped to help build software “operating system” for Trump’s Golden Dome SpaceX has been pulled into an industry group developing the software “operating system” underpinning President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome air-and-missile-defense initiative, according to people familiar with the matter. The reporting underscores how tightly Elon Musk’s space and satellite business is being linked to government defense needs.

2026-04-24T22:35:31.621249-07:00

SpaceX tapped to help build software “operating system” for Trump’s Golden Dome

SpaceNews.com

Space Force awards $3.2B contract set to 12 firms for Golden Dome space-based interceptor prototypes The U.S. Space Force selected 12 companies to develop space-based interceptor (SBI) prototypes under President Trump’s Golden Dome missile-defense initiative, awarding a total of $3.2 billion. The program targets an initial operational capability in 2028, even as the service frames boost-phase intercept affordability as a gating factor.

2026-04-24T16:24:07.924039-07:00

Space Force awards $3.2B contract set to 12 firms for Golden Dome space-based interceptor prototypes

Via Satellite

GomSpace and Ukraine partners form JV to build sovereign satellites in-country GomSpace says it will create a new joint venture in Ukraine aimed at developing sovereign communications capabilities. A separate agreement pairs the Danish company with Ukrainian firm Stetman to manufacture satellites in Ukraine, positioning the country as a full-cycle production hub for GomSpace and Stetman.

2026-04-24T15:10:55.733287-07:00

GomSpace and Ukraine partners form JV to build sovereign satellites in-country

Space Intel Report

US, France, UK, Norway and Germany space commanders map “deeper allied cooperation” goals for the next two years Top space commanders from the United States, France, Britain, Norway and Germany were prompted to define what deeper allied space cooperation should look like over the next two years. The exchange focuses on translating today’s alignment into actionable partner collaboration plans and expectations for follow-on steps.

2026-04-24T13:05:33.482426-07:00

US, France, UK, Norway and Germany space commanders map “deeper allied cooperation” goals for the next two years

Via Satellite

SDA’s “need for speed” contracting model pushes commercial startups toward rapid delivery The Space Development Agency is leveraging tight timelines to issue contracts to a wide set of commercial partners at an unusually high pace, aiming to accelerate delivery while lowering costs, industry experts said. The approach underscores SDA’s push to shorten development cycles and drive faster results from the commercial base.

2026-04-24T11:20:31.063372-07:00

SDA’s “need for speed” contracting model pushes commercial startups toward rapid delivery

Payload

Astra aims to cut small-rocket costs via “clay-pigeon” target practice tied to Pentagon Golden Dome Astra’s CEO Chris Kemp says the company will use “clay-pigeon” rocket target launches to drive scale and lower unit costs for both commercial and government customers. The approach aligns with the Pentagon’s Golden Dome space-based air and missile-defense concept, where realistic target practice is critical for validating intercept and tracking architectures.

2026-04-24T08:10:03.259417-07:00

Astra aims to cut small-rocket costs via “clay-pigeon” target practice tied to Pentagon Golden Dome

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Space Defense & Militarization News

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

GomSpace and Ukraine partners form JV to build sovereign satellites in-country

US, France, UK, Norway and Germany space commanders map “deeper allied cooperation” goals for the next two years

Space Force awards $3.2B contract set to 12 firms for Golden Dome space-based interceptor prototypes

News Timeline