Space Defense & Militarization News

Breaking Defense

DoD Expands Dual-Use Research Into Satellite Debris Removal and Counterspace Capabilities

The Defense Department is expanding research intended to remove obsolete satellites from orbit, while acknowledging that the same capabilities could disable, reposition or destroy functioning spacecraft. The effort highlights the close technical relationship between space sustainability missions and counterspace applications.

SpaceNews.com

Trump administration’s proposed Space Force spending surge targets tracking, missile warning and classified programs

A new analysis of the Trump administration’s proposed fiscal 2027 defense budget finds that increased Space Force funding is concentrated in moving-target tracking, missile warning, command and control, and classified programs—pointing to a focus on space-based surveillance, warning and military communications.

SpaceNews.com

High activity

Satellite connectivity expands across European sovereignty, military SATCOM, LEO and autonomous-drone applications

Eutelsat advances Europe’s sovereign multi-orbit IRIS² connectivity program, while Globalstar deploys eight replacement LEO satellites and Viasat selects Rocket Lab for a U.S. Space Force protected SATCOM satellite. New programs from ReOrbit and Honeywell extend connectivity into satellite R&D and beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone operations.

SpaceWatch Global

Europe’s Space Debate: Technological Sovereignty Versus Military Interoperability

SPRIND and SWE 2040 present competing visions for Europe’s orbital future: one prioritizes technological sovereignty and independent capabilities, while the other emphasizes interoperability with military partners. The divide highlights a strategic choice that could shape Europe’s space policy, industrial priorities and approach to security cooperation.

Wall Street Journal

Space Force prepares for future conflicts in orbit while supporting wars on Earth

Gen. Chance Saltzman outlines how the U.S. Space Force is using space capabilities in current conflicts and preparing for a future in which space itself could become a warfighting domain. The discussion highlights the service’s evolving role in national security and military operations.

SpaceNews.com

EU sanctions Roscosmos subsidiary chief developing radar satellites for Russia’s military

The European Union has sanctioned the head of a Roscosmos subsidiary involved in developing a synthetic aperture radar satellite system for the Russian military. The action expands pressure on Russia’s space industry and targets leadership linked to military space capabilities.

Via Satellite

Katalyst Space wins Defense Innovation Unit contract for deorbiting technology

Katalyst Space has secured a new contract from the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit as the government seeks to harness emerging technologies for deorbiting space objects. The award highlights growing defense interest in commercial capabilities that can support orbital sustainability and space-domain operations.

Breaking Defense

High activity

U.S.-linked infrastructure push spans Indo-Pacific space surveillance and FAA air traffic control overhaul

The articles combine two separate U.S.-led initiatives: a Space Force space-domain-awareness payload launched aboard Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite 7, and the FAA’s $74.3 million initial task order to AT&T under its multibillion-dollar Enterprise Network Services modernization program.