Space Force News

Wall Street Journal • Drew Fitzgerald

SpaceX launches eighth X-37B OTV for U.S. Space Force to demo laser communications and quantum navigation

SpaceX on Thursday night launched the U.S. Space Force's eighth X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle aboard a Falcon 9; the Boeing-built reusable spaceplane separated after an 11:50 p.m. EDT liftoff. The classified OTV-8 will demonstrate laser communications and an advanced quantum inertial sensor for navigation.

2025-08-21T13:17:26.563883-07:00

SpaceNews.com

ULA’s Vulcan Centaur Debuts with First National Security Mission

2025-08-12T18:17:37.739584-07:00

Spaceflight Now

ULA’s Vulcan Rocket Set for First Space Force National Security Mission

2025-08-12T04:40:42.517167-07:00

DefenseNews.com

Space Force to Launch X-37B OTV-8 in August to Demonstrate Laser Comms and Quantum Inertial Sensor

2025-07-28T07:38:51.292653-07:00

Space Force News Timeline

Wall Street Journal

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SpaceX launches eighth X-37B OTV for U.S. Space Force to demo laser communications and quantum navigation SpaceX on Thursday night launched the U.S. Space Force's eighth X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle aboard a Falcon 9; the Boeing-built reusable spaceplane separated after an 11:50 p.m. EDT liftoff. The classified OTV-8 will demonstrate laser communications and an advanced quantum inertial sensor for navigation.

2025-08-21T13:17:26.563883-07:00

SpaceX launches eighth X-37B OTV for U.S. Space Force to demo laser communications and quantum navigation

Via Satellite

Space Force plans sole‑source, cost‑plus award to General Dynamics for Tranche 3 Tracking Layer ground segment The U.S. Space Force plans to sole‑source a cost‑plus contract to General Dynamics Mission Systems to develop the Tranche 3 ground segment for its Tracking Layer, advancing the service’s missile‑tracking and data‑relay infrastructure while cementing GDMS as a prime ground‑systems integrator.

2025-08-21T12:51:22.514564-07:00

Space Force plans sole‑source, cost‑plus award to General Dynamics for Tranche 3 Tracking Layer ground segment

Breaking Defense

Few Colorado Guard Space Operators Will Transfer to Space Force; Backers Seek Trump Intervention A February survey of 101 Colorado Air National Guard space operators, provided to Breaking Defense, found only eight would transfer to the U.S. Space Force under the current plan. Proponents are now seeking President Trump’s intervention to change the transfer approach.

2025-08-21T07:35:01.268166-07:00

Few Colorado Guard Space Operators Will Transfer to Space Force; Backers Seek Trump Intervention

Aviation Week

ULA’s Vulcan Completes First Space Force Mission, Restoring Competition to U.S. National Security Launch Fleet United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur has completed its inaugural U.S. Space Force mission, reintroducing a second operational launch provider into the national security launch roster. The flight restores competitive options for military and intelligence payloads and reduces sole‑source dependence on one commercial launcher.

2025-08-21T01:48:16.351219-07:00

ULA’s Vulcan Completes First Space Force Mission, Restoring Competition to U.S. National Security Launch Fleet

Defense Scoop

Space Force activates System Delta 85 to centralize acquisition and operations, plans five more by 2025 Space Systems Command has activated System Delta 85, the U.S. Space Force’s third ‘system delta’ unit, consolidating acquisition and operational support for space‑defense missions under the SYD structure. The service says it will stand up at least five additional system deltas through 2025 to better align programs with operational needs.

2025-08-20T22:41:19.786176-07:00

Space Force activates System Delta 85 to centralize acquisition and operations, plans five more by 2025

Florida Today

Inside the X-37B: Photos Reveal the Space Force’s Secret Orbital Spaceplane and Its Launch Vehicles New photos lay bare the U.S. Space Force's X-37B orbital spaceplane — the clandestine, reusable mini-shuttle — and its launch paths: multiple missions have been lofted aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 and United Launch Alliance vehicles. The images clarify vehicle shape, payload bay and orbital delivery profiles.

2025-08-19T16:00:12.172044-07:00

Inside the X-37B: Photos Reveal the Space Force’s Secret Orbital Spaceplane and Its Launch Vehicles

Florida Today

US Space Force X-37B set to launch from Kennedy this week on classified mission The U.S. Space Force's X-37B spaceplane is scheduled to lift off from Kennedy Space Center this week on a mission the service has described only sparingly. Officials have not disclosed purpose, payload or planned duration, and public information about the flight remains limited.

2025-08-19T02:16:23.600867-07:00

US Space Force X-37B set to launch from Kennedy this week on classified mission

SpaceNews.com

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ULA’s Vulcan Centaur Debuts with First National Security Mission United Launch Alliance’s new Vulcan Centaur rocket successfully completed its inaugural national security mission, USSF-106, deploying two U.S. Space Force satellites including AFRL’s NTS-3 to geostationary orbit. The flight marks the first operational Vulcan under the Space Force’s NSSL Phase 2 contract and paves the way to retire Atlas V and Delta rockets.

2025-08-12T18:17:37.739584-07:00

ULA’s Vulcan Centaur Debuts with First National Security Mission

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