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Breaking Defense • Theresa Hitchens

Space Force launches ninth Lockheed-built GPS III aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 as Congress pushes resilient PNT funding

The U.S. Space Force launched the ninth GPS III satellite (SV09), built by Lockheed Martin and carried on a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral, bolstering the constellation's accuracy and anti‑jamming resilience. Congressional appropriators are pressing for additional funding and resilient PNT alternatives amid questions about long‑term strategy.

2026-01-28T09:18:32.972766-08:00

DefenseNews.com

Space Force elevates SWORD as cornerstone of contested‑space operational readiness

2026-01-28T14:19:44.942641-08:00

SpaceNews.com

U.S. Space Command to bring commercial firms into classified wargame on nuclear threats in space

2026-01-28T12:04:10.377905-08:00

Breaking Defense

SPACECOM unveils 'Apollo Maneuvers' on-orbit warfighting exercise

2026-01-28T11:38:52.503940-08:00

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SpaceNews.com

Alabama National Guard general to manage Space Command headquarters transition An Alabama National Guard general has been named to oversee the transition of U.S. Space Command's headquarters, taking charge of coordinating the move, site setup and initial operational transfer. The appointment centralizes transition management under a senior Guard officer during the command's relocation process.

2026-01-29T14:56:19.334241-08:00

Alabama National Guard general to manage Space Command headquarters transition

Payload

US Army Calls for 'Space Soldiers' to Bolster Space‑Domain Operations The U.S. Army has asked for a new type of 'space soldier'—personnel dedicated to space‑domain surveillance and operations—to bolster its contribution to joint space missions. The move signals an effort to field organic space operators to provide persistent warning and tighter integration with ground and joint formations.

2026-01-29T05:46:28.126884-08:00

US Army Calls for 'Space Soldiers' to Bolster Space‑Domain Operations

DefenseNews.com

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Space Force elevates SWORD as cornerstone of contested‑space operational readiness The Space Warfighter Operational Readiness Domain (SWORD) — a distributed, cloud‑enabled training platform — is being positioned by the U.S. Space Force as central to maintaining space superiority. Program leaders say SWORD delivers more realistic, scalable contested‑domain training to prepare operators for high‑end conflict.

2026-01-28T14:19:44.942641-08:00

Space Force elevates SWORD as cornerstone of contested‑space operational readiness

SpaceNews.com

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U.S. Space Command to bring commercial firms into classified wargame on nuclear threats in space U.S. Space Command will invite commercial space companies to participate in a classified wargame focused on nuclear threats in space. The move folds industry partners into sensitive military scenario planning and highlights increasing reliance on commercial capabilities in contested-orbit rehearsals.

2026-01-28T12:04:10.377905-08:00

U.S. Space Command to bring commercial firms into classified wargame on nuclear threats in space

Breaking Defense

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SPACECOM unveils 'Apollo Maneuvers' on-orbit warfighting exercise Gen. Stephen Whiting unveiled 'Apollo Maneuvers', a U.S. Space Command exercise concept that envisions coordinated on‑orbit satellite movements, responsive launch and 'spectrum maneuvering', modeled on Army and Marine maneuver warfare concepts. The initiative explicitly frames on‑orbit activity as warfighting practice.

2026-01-28T11:38:52.503940-08:00

SPACECOM unveils 'Apollo Maneuvers' on-orbit warfighting exercise

SpaceNews.com

Space Command urges Pentagon to treat orbital logistics as a distinct capability Space Command is pressing the Pentagon to think beyond launch and establish orbital logistics — on‑orbit refueling, resupply, servicing and maneuver support — as core capabilities. The argument frames sustainment in space as separate planning, infrastructure and acquisition challenges requiring focused investment.

2026-01-28T11:18:19.024647-08:00

Space Command urges Pentagon to treat orbital logistics as a distinct capability

Breaking Defense

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Space Force launches ninth Lockheed-built GPS III aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 as Congress pushes resilient PNT funding The U.S. Space Force launched the ninth GPS III satellite (SV09), built by Lockheed Martin and carried on a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral, bolstering the constellation's accuracy and anti‑jamming resilience. Congressional appropriators are pressing for additional funding and resilient PNT alternatives amid questions about long‑term strategy.

2026-01-28T09:18:32.972766-08:00

Space Force launches ninth Lockheed-built GPS III aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 as Congress pushes resilient PNT funding

gao.gov

GAO: SDA tracking layer at risk of missing tech, cost and schedule goals The GAO's Jan. 28, 2026 report (GAO‑26‑107085) warns the Space Development Agency has overestimated technology readiness for its missile‑tracking 'tracking layer' and is at risk of failing to meet cost, schedule and operator capability goals. SDA disputed parts of the report but said it will address GAO's recommendations.

2026-01-28T08:09:27.596552-08:00

GAO: SDA tracking layer at risk of missing tech, cost and schedule goals

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Space Force News

Space Force launches ninth Lockheed-built GPS III aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 as Congress pushes resilient PNT funding

Space Force elevates SWORD as cornerstone of contested‑space operational readiness

U.S. Space Command to bring commercial firms into classified wargame on nuclear threats in space

SPACECOM unveils 'Apollo Maneuvers' on-orbit warfighting exercise

News Timeline