Satellite   Space Force   Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Commercial Space   Space Defense & Militarization  
Ars Technica • Stephen Clark

DiskSat: NASA and the U.S. Space Force test pizza‑shaped smallsat bus for unmatched power‑to‑weight

DiskSat is a flat, disk‑shaped smallsat bus that proponents say offers a power‑to‑weight ratio unmatched by traditional aluminum spacecraft. NASA and the U.S. Space Force are testing the design to leverage higher electrical power and surface area for more capable payloads and experiments in low Earth orbit.

2025-12-18T19:21:54.283630-08:00
Space Force   Defense Budgets & Spending   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Policy & Regulation  
Breaking Defense • Theresa Hitchens

With NDAA, Congress twists US Space Force's arm on beefing up acquisition chops

By Breaking Defense: "I look forward to working with [Air Force] Secretary Meink and the service to make sure the language in the NDAA is fully implemented," Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Mike Rogers, R.-Ala., told Breaking Defense today.

2025-12-18T12:49:37.169795-08:00
Supply Chain   Military Aircraft Procurement   Orders   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
afmc.af.mil

U.S. Air Force and Boeing Resume F-15EX Deliveries to Portland ANG After Production Pause

By afmc.af.mil: The U.S. Air Force, in partnership with Boeing and the Defense Contract Management Agency, has resumed F-15EX Eagle II deliveries to the Portland Air National Guard Base, overcoming recent production.

Also: Air Data News
2025-12-18T05:06:02.868741-08:00
UAV Development & Drone Programs   Middle East   Military Aircraft Procurement   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
The Aviationist • Kai Greet

U.S. Navy Conducts First Shipboard Launch of LUCAS One-Way Attack Drone from Littoral Combat Ship USS Santa Barbara

By The Aviationist: A Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) was launched from the flight deck of littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara while operating in the.

Also: Aviation Week and DVIDS / U.S. DoD
2025-12-18T09:09:05.531503-08:00
Aircraft Carrier   Supply Chain   Military Aircraft Procurement   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Defense Industry & Major Contractors  
Aviation Today • Rich Abott

US Navy and Boeing Push First MQ-25 Stingray Flight Test to Early 2026

By Aviation Today: The Navy and Boeing have pushed back the initial flight test of the first MQ-25A Stingray aircraft carrier-based tanker aircraft into early 2026. The government-industry team insisted they are making […].

2025-12-18T09:55:19.334950-08:00