Satellite   Space Force   Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons   Space Defense & Militarization  
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Space Force advances laser crosslink flight hardware with K2 Space to test missile-defense data links

The U.S. Space Force will use K2 Space-built satellites to evaluate a key, previously unresolved element for future missile-defense systems: moving large volumes of data quickly between spacecraft and down to Earth via laser communications. Separately, the Space Force’s Laser Crosslink program has cleared independent verification and entered Phase 3 development toward flight hardware production.

2026-04-30T18:11:55.729130-07:00
Satellite   Space Force   Defense Industry & Major Contractors   Space Defense & Militarization  
SpaceNews.com • Sandra Erwin

Northrop Grumman delivers sensor for missile-warning satellite as Pentagon cancels program

By SpaceNews.com: WASHINGTON — Northrop Grumman said it has taken delivery of a missile-warning sensor for a U.S. Space Force satellite program that the Pentagon is now proposing to cancel, highlighting the tension between legacy space acquisitions and a shift toward newer architectures.

2026-04-30T16:24:46.828695-07:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations   Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact  
NASA Spaceflight • Haygen Warren

Russia debuts new rocket with maiden Soyuz-5 launch

By NASA Spaceflight: Russia’s brand new Soyuz-5 rocket made its first flight on Saturday, lifting off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Thursday on a suborbital demonstration mission with a dummy payload that will pave the way for its entry into service.

Also: Space.com and tass.com
2026-04-30T15:04:20.219619-07:00