Signals & Space Monthly Briefing

May 2020

Prepared by the CyberWire (Friday, May 1, 2020) Concerns about the possible instability of North Korea's regime. A necessary caution: it's notoriously difficult to get an accurate picture of what's going on inside the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and as Foreign Policy points out, a great deal of misinformation circulates in the media. That said, in mid-April it was widely reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was either dead, dying, or otherwise incapacitated. It now seems likely that these rumors were false. The Washington Post cites US and South Korean intelligence sources that suggest Mr. Kim and his private train are in Wonsan. TheHill reports that these sources also say that Mr. Kim remains in active control of his government. Premature rumors of death were common during the rule of Mr. Kim's two predecessors in Pyongyang, his father and his grandfather, and it appears that the present stories are equally unfounded. But the rumors have brought one issue to the fore: there's no clear successor to Kim Jong-un. Military Times has an overview of what the lack of a clear succession plan could mean for regional instability. US, South Korean, and Chinese intelligence and military services are watching the situation in Pyongyang closely. Even given a healthy or at least relatively functioning Kim, North Korea is under stress from the COVID-19 virus. How severe that stress may be isn't clear, but given the country's fragile, sanctions-degraded economy, the level may be high. Should the regime falter, a UPI story says neither the US nor China is likely to intervene directly. Securing Precision Navigation and Timing systems. Russia's five-year plan for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GPS and GLONASS being the most prominent representatives of genus) devotes considerable attention to securing such systems' availability. As C4ISRNet notes, Russia knows something about GPS spoofing and jamming, since it's done so around both the White Sea and the Black Sea. The plan, which secured the agreement of eleven nations (all former Soviet Republics in the Commonwealth of Independent States) is noteworthy for addressing not only attacks by nation-states and independently acting "radio hooligans," but also accidental interference from a wide range of other commonplace civilian activities. Such concerns are not confined to Russia. C4ISRNet reports that the US Federal Communications Commission on April 20th announced that it had unanimously approved a plan granting Ligado Networks access to the L-band spectrum, a decision the Department of Defense had opposed over concerns that L-band operations could interfere with GPS signals. Ligado wants the spectrum released for use in 5G and other wireless applications. The FCC said its approval included "stringent conditions" designed to avoid the possibility of interference with GPS, and the Pentagon is making the best of what it regards as a bad situation, but the Senate Armed Services Committee has announced its intention of holding hearings on the FCC's decision. Nor is an interest in jamming satellites confined to Russia, either. Bloomberg Quint reports that Space Force is working on a ground-based capability that would enable it to jam hostile satellites at need. Planned transport layer constellation will distribute tactical data. The Space Development Agency has issued a request for proposals to build a twenty-satellite constellation by 2022 that would provide a transport layer between the low- and high-altitude sensing layers, Defense News reports. The new satellites would focus, the Space Development Agency says, on the “tactical data points that need to be given to a weapon system.” Sponsored by Cosmic AES Looking for your next career step in signals and space? Let’s talk. At Cosmic AES, we leverage existing and emerging technologies, rapid prototyping, and disciplined engineering practices to develop innovative solutions to the most difficult national security concerns. We’re always looking for talented engineers, software developers, and system analysts who thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment. See the opportunities available at Cosmic AES.  SBIRS milestone. With thermal vacuum testing having begun on April 16th, the Space Based Infra Red System (SBIRS) has reached a major milestone, keeping it on track for a 2021 launch. That will complete the SBIRS deployment, C4ISRNet says, after which attention will shift to the successor system, Next Gen Overhead Persistent Infrared. OPIR is scheduled for delivery 2025. Space Force contracts, budgets, and milestones. US Space Force has contracted with VOX Space, a subsidiary of Virgin Orbit, to place forty-four demonstration satellites into orbit, C4ISRNet reports. The new Service also awarded two IDIQs, each with a potential total contract value of $500 million, to L3 Technologies and Raytheon’s Space and Airborne Systems, to deliver modems that would be used in protected satellite communications. The awards form part of the Army and Air Forces Anti-Jam Modem program (A3M). The modems are intended to be used with the new Protected Tactical Waveform, designed to provide jam-resistant battlespace communications. In general, Air Force Magazine reports, Space Force acquisition will follow a "portfolio" approach, a concept that may be familiar to those who've worked around Defense science and technology programs. The goal is to reduce risk while facilitating both transparency and rapid fielding of new systems. Space Force is also continuing work on its doctrine. While that doctrine is still taking shape, it's said (by Air Force Magazine) to reflect the increasingly crowded and dangerous nature of space. It's also said to prominently feature deterrence. The Service's missions will initially represent more continuity with its parent organizations than they do dramatic change. The Houston Chronicle laments boyishly and girlishly that the initial missions will be "less exotic" than what you (and probably the Chronicle) were expecting. Air Force Magazine writes that Space Force begins accepting applications on May 1st from Service Members interested in joining the new Service. Many will also transition into Space Force over the coming months as twenty-three Air Force units with more than 1800 personnel shift Services. Aviation Pros lists the units that will make the transition: 17th Test Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado 18th Intel Squadron, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 25th Space Range Squadron, Schriever AFB, Colorado 328th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nevada 527th Space Aggressor Squadron, Schriever AFB, Colorado 705th Combat Training Squadron Operating Location-Alpha, Schriever AFB, Colorado 544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group Staff and Detachment 5, Peterson AFB, Colorado Detachment 1, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, Schriever AFB, Colorado 533rd Training Squadron, Vandenberg AFB, California National Security Space Institute, Peterson AFB, Colorado Counter-Space Analysis Squadron, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio Space Analysis Squadron, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center Detachment 4, Peterson AFB, Colorado Air Force Safety Center -- Space Safety Division, Kirtland AFB New Mexico Portions of the following will also move to Space Force: 16th Air Force/Advanced Programs, Schriever AFB, Colorado 7th Intel Squadron, Fort Meade, Maryland 32nd Intel Squadron, Fort Meade, Maryland 566th Intel Squadron, Buckley AFB, Colorado Air Force Research Lab Mission Execution, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico AFRL Rocket Propulsion Division, Edwards AFB, California AFRL Electro-Optical Division, Maui, Hawaii & Kirtland AFB, New Mexico AFRL Sensors Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio Initially most of Space Force's personnel (apart from the Commanding General) have been attached rather than assigned as organic members of the Service. That will be changing soon. Eighty-six members of the US Air Force Academy's class of 2020 were commissioned into Space Force, the Washington Post reports. SpaceX schedules its first crewed spaceflight. May 27th is now set to be launch date for the first crewed flight of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. Two astronauts will be on board for the inaugural mission, UPI reports. Asteroid mining, and other openings of the Final Frontier. President Trump on April 6th signed an Executive Order on Encouraging International Support for the Recovery and Use of Space Resources. "Successful long-term exploration and scientific discovery of the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies," the order reads in part, "will require partnership with commercial entities to recover and use resources, including water and certain minerals, in outer space." But hitherto property rights and space law have been unclear and disputed in these areas, and the Executive Order aims to clear this up. The Wall Street Journal characterizes the Executive Order's principal goal as making "celestial mining an attractive investment." Roadside assistance. Northrop Grumman's Mission Extension Vehicle, a satellite that docks with other spacecraft to repair and return them to service, has succeeded in bringing an Intelsat satellite back into service. On April 17th Intelsat announced that Intelsat 901 was back in operation. Northrop Grumman's MEV-1 had docked with the Intelsat craft on February 25th, the first successful docking of two commercial spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit. Business notes. Boeing struggles to recover from the 737MAX scandal, performance issues on Government contracts, and a sharp drop in airline orders. Troubled Boeing this month announced organizational and leadership changes as it grapples with problems, Intelligent Aerospace says. Some of those challenges, like the 737MAX crashes and some underperformance on contracts are of the company's own making, but others, notably the effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the commercial air sector, are not. The Washington Post wonders if CEO David Calhoun, appointed in December to pull the company out of its 737MAX troubles, can succeed in turning Boeing around. If not, the company's survival could be in question. Boeing has sought to cut costs by cutting staff (a first step was an offer of staff buyouts at the beginning of April, the Wall Street Journal reports). Also at the beginning of April the company was looking into the possibility of a bailout by the Federal Government, according to the New York Times, but that it would not accept a bailout if doing so involved giving the Government an equity stake in the business. A bailout was controversial: the POGO project argued against it, and board member Nikki Haley resigned in March when the bailout was first mooted—she expressed a philosophical difference with the company's position. But on April 30th Boeing, while not claiming to be out of the woods yet, announced that it would not seek Federal aid: a bond offering that CNBC put at $25 billion would be enough to keep the company a going concern. Boeing is not the only aerospace giant to suffer from existential worries induced in part by the coronavirus pandemic. Rival Airbus also warned, in an internal memo obtained by Reuters, that the company was "bleeding cash," and that "the survival of Airbus is in question if we don’t act now.” The immediate action taken has so far consisted of staff furloughs. Raytheon and United Technologies have completed their merger. Defense News writes that the combined company, Raytheon Technologies, began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on April 3rd under the ticker symbol RTX. Another sign that Space Force has arrived: it's about to get its own workplace comedy. Military Times reports that Netflix will soon begin streaming a new workplace comedy, Space Force, starring The Office’s Steve Carrell as the fictional General Naird, the new Service’s (fictional) chief of staff. Lisa Kudrow plays Mrs. Naird, and John Malkovich will be the Service's Chief Scientist. We don't know much about the plot, other than that General Naird didn't want the job (he'd been hoping for Air Force Chief of Staff), that the members of Space Force are called "Spacemen," and that the General and his family have to relocate to "a remote base in Colorado," with all the attendant fish-out-of-water comedy relocating to a remote base implies. That last part seems wrong, because we've been to Colorado Springs and not only is it not "remote," it's even downright commodious. But Colorado Springs or not, the uniform that appears in the publicity shots is pretty convincing. Space Force for-real has stuck with traditional Air Force uniforms so far (with some easy patch modifications on the combat utilities), but Space Force for-TV may have some ideas worth considering.  The Class A coat seems to have retained Air Force Shade 1549 (or maybe a slight throwback to Uxbridge Blue; it's hard to tell from the photos we've seen online), but the shirt beneath the coat is a dark blue, almost black, as is the tie, and the ensemble looks both snappy and military. The insignia generally track Air Force usages, but instead of the mirror-silver “U.S.” on the lapels, Space Force for-TV uses a tri-colored bar with two sky-blue patches flanking a central patch of a lighter color that appears to hold some sort of design.  Task and Purpose gives the for-TV uniform two thumbs up, and makes a point of noticing that the show got the ribbon rack right. Not only are the awards displayed correctly, and in the right order, but they’re plausible as well, given the character’s backstory. And Mr. Carrell’s haircut looks properly regulation, too. Space Force is expected to begin streaming over Netflix on May 29th. The show is up for one ten-episode season. WIRED seems to have liked whatever they've seen of it. [2060]   Today's edition of the CyberWire reports events affecting China, Iran, Japan, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States. Selected Reading Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities (7) Trends (3) Marketplace (39) Products, Services, and Solutions (6) Technologies, Techniques, and Standards (26) Design and Innovation (3) Research and Development (7) Legislation, Policy, and Regulation (29) Litigation, Investigation, and Law Enforcement (5) Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says it has launched a military satellite (C4ISRNET) On its official website, the Guard said the satellite successfully reached an orbit of 425 kilometers (264 miles) above the Earth's surface. Space Force general trolls Iranian military satellite launch — ‘space is hard’ (Military Times) In space, no one can hear Raymond’s enemies scream. How a Kim Jong Un demise could spark unrest, require US, South Korean military response (Military Times) Questions about North Korea's leader were sparked by a report that Kim was in “grave danger,” but other organizations reported there were “no unusual signs” of Kim’s health. Analysts: U.S., China should tread carefully in case of North Korea collapse (UPI) China plays an outsize role in North Korea's economy, but its clout in the region doesn't mean Beijing can easily intervene in the event of North Korea instability, U.S. analysts say. Pentagon: North Korea's Kim likely still 'in full control' of country (TheHill) The military’s No. 2 uniformed official on Wednesday said he has no reason not to assume that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is still "in full control" of the country. Exclusive: China sent team including medical experts to advise on North Korea's Kim - sources (Reuters) China has dispatched a team to North Korea including medical experts to advise on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to three people familiar with the situation. Russia’s new navigation plan reveals a fear of jamming (C4ISRNET) A new plan from confirms that Russia has a mobile terrestrial PNT capability, likely for military use, that has received little public attention. Trends The Worm is Back! (NASA) Created by Richard Danne, the logo was honored in 1984 by President Reagan for its simplistic, yet innovative design. ‘Space Force’ sitcom starring Steve Carell landing on Netflix in May (Military Times) The show is co-created by Carell and Greg Daniels, the man who brought us the American version of “The Office.” Steve Carell's 'Space Force' parody actually got military awards right (Task & Purpose) Like we needed another reason to get excited. Marketplace $2.75M grant a 'huge win' for cybersecurity in Colorado Springs (The Colorado Springs Business Journal) The sprawling facility that houses the National Cybersecurity Center, Space ISAC and Exponential Impact is set for a huge injection of cash and a Time for DoD to cancel JEDI, ride the CIA’s cloud coattails (Federal News Network) The IT Acquisition Advisory Council sent a memo to lawmakers explaining why DoD should drop its JEDI plan and follow the path of the CIA. The Pentagon will solicit its first mesh network in space May 1 (C4ISRNET) The Space Development Agency expects to award contracts for an initial space-based mesh network in August. VOX Space Nabs First Mission of Quick-Launch Program (Air Force Magazine) Virgin Orbit subsidiary VOX Space will launch dozens of small satellites for the Space Force’s Orbital Services Program-4 under a $35 million contract. Space Force picks launch provider for 44 technology demonstration satellites (C4ISRNET) This is the first task order under Orbital Services Program-4, an effort to utilize the growing commercial small launch market to launch America's small satellites. Space Force awards contracts worth as much as $1B for new modems (C4ISRNET) The Space Force awarded L3 Technologies and Raytheon’s Space and Airborne Systems contracts worth as much as $1 billion for the development and production of new modems that would help with protected satellite communications. Space Command sticks with LinQuest for support (C4ISRNET) A new one-year contract will ensure the company that helped stand up U.S. Space Command last year will continue to help it develop. Space and Missile Systems Center awards $500 million contracts to Raytheon, L3 Technologies (Aerotech News & Review) The Space and Missile Systems Center awarded Raytheon Company – Space and Airborne Systems and L3 Technologies Inc. two indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multi-award contracts with ceiling values of $500 million each, totaling $1 billion, for development and production of Protected Tactical Waveform-capable modems, over 120 days ahead of schedule, March 27, 2020. Raytheon signs another $2B contract extension with Missile Defense Agency (Phoenix Business Journal) The contract is Raytheon's second big multiyear deal announced during the past week. U.S. Space Force asks Raytheon to swap computer gear in new GPS control center from IBM to Hewlett Packard (Military & Aerospace Electronics) The OCX will command GPS navigation satellites, manage civil and military navigation signals, and provide improved cyber security for GPS operations. Raytheon and United Technologies complete merger (Aircraft Interiors International) Raytheon Technologies Corporation has announced the successful completion of an all-stock 'merger of equals' transaction between Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation Raytheon Technologies Corp. begins trading on NYSE (Defense News) Less than a year after announcing plans to combine into a $121 billion company, Raytheon and United Technologies are officially no more. Raytheon to provide NMT secure SATCOM for shipboard communications and computer networks $63.5 million deal (Military & Aerospace Electronics) The NMT SATCOM system provides seamless assured connectivity between a ship's or submarine's computer network and the Global Information Grid. Rockwell Collins successfully demonstrates end-to-end system validation with test flights of production Common Range Integrated Instrumentation System equipment (Intelligence Community News) On April 27, Arlington, VA-based CACI International Inc announced that it has been awarded a five-year and six-month, if all options are exercised, single-award Organizations Seek Guidance from the Office of Management and Budget on CARES Act (ClearanceJobs) Yesterday, nine organizations wrote a letter to the Hon. Russell Vought, acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The group was seeking clarifying guidance from OMB on the implementation of Section 3610 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Army Awards Lockheed $75M For AI Cyber/Jamming Pod (Breaking Defense) Decades after disbanding its Cold War electronic warfare corps, the Army is getting back in the EW game with new cyberspace and machine-learning technologies. Lockheed Martin to advance U-2 capabilities for USAF (Airforce Technology) Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has secured a contract from the USAF to advance capabilities of the U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft for the future battlespace. Q1 results: Covid-19 savages commercial wings; defence remains stable (Army Technology) Northrop Grumman’s Q1 finances have remained steady despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, reporting sales increases across the board and net earnings of $868m. Boeing raises monster $25 billion in bond offering, rules out federal aid (CNBC) Boeing on Thursday said it raised a whopping $25 billion in a bond offering and it won't seek federal aid as the aerospace giant faces the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. First came the 737 Max crisis, then coronavirus. Can David Calhoun save Boeing? (Washington Post) Since the pandemic spread to the United States, virtually every day has brought a cascade of bad news for Boeing. Boeing announces key organization, leadership changes (Intelligent Aerospace) Greg Smith to lead new Enterprise Operations, Finance & Strategy organization. Boeing To Reopen Some Production Plants With New Worker Safety Protocols (NPR) The aerospace giant said it will begin opening plants in Washington state in phases, despite a drop in orders for its planes. Boeing workers’ return after coronavirus closure is a test case for industrial recovery (Seattle Times) When Boeing workers returned en masse Tuesday to the airplane factories in the Puget Sound region after a four-week shutdown, they found a changed workplace, cleaner and with a series of safety protocols in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Boeing customers cancel orders for 150 jets in March (CNN) Boeing customers canceled orders for 150 jets in March, as the virtual halt in demand for air travel caused the sharpest drop in demand in decades. Boeing military aircraft deliveries lower in first quarter of 2020 (Flight Global) Boeing delivered 35% fewer military aircraft year-on-year in the first quarter of 2020. Boeing’s Problems Predate the Virus. Should the U.S. Come to Its Rescue? (New York Times) The nation’s largest aerospace company is in discussions about three different federal aid programs amid confusion created by its new chief executive about its intentions. House Democrats urge Boeing to take federal aid as plants shut down over coronavirus pandemic (CNBC) Several U.S. House Democrats representing Washington state urged Boeing to accept government aid as the manufacturer shuts down plants because of coronavirus. The Boeing 737 MAX Bailout (Seeking Alpha) Calculations show that, in a normal year without COVID-19, there would be a lot of pressure on Boeing's liquidity. No, We Shouldn’t Bail Out Boeing (Project On Government Oversight) The defense industry has taken advantage of taxpayers’ generosity for too long. WSJ News Exclusive | Boeing Offers Staff Buyouts as Coronavirus Takes Toll (Wall Street Journal) The plane maker is offering buyout packages to its workforce as it comes to grips with the coronavirus pandemic’s toll on the global aviation industry. Boeing to build 18 more P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft in $1.6 billion contract (Military & Aerospace Electronics) Aircraft has the upgraded APS-137D(V)5 ocean surveillance radar and SIGINT system from the Raytheon Co. Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) segment. Boeing Temporarily Suspends Production at Several Facilities in Wake of COVID-19 (Defense Security Monitor) Adding to its facility closures, Boeing announced that on April 8 it will temporarily suspend all 787 operations at Boeing South Carolina (BSC) until further notice. This impacts the Airport Campus… Why Boeing might not need a bailout despite coronavirus, 737 Max crises (USA TODAY) Boeing could get up to $17 billion from the federal government's $2 trillion stimulus package to shore up its operations. But is it necessary? Boeing ponders its bail-out options (The Economist) The aircraft-maker can survive for now but will eventually need to raise cash Airbus warns staff on jobs with its 'survival at stake' (Reuters) European planemaker Airbus issued a bleak assessment of the impact of the coronavirus crisis, telling the company's 135,000 employees to brace for potentially deeper job cuts and warning its survival is at stake without immediate action. QinetiQ expects revenue hit from pandemic, continues to work (Proactiveinvestors UK) The firm said its work is “vital to maintaining the capabilities of defence, security and critical national infrastructure, including the emergency services” Qinetiq defers dividend decision as it goes into cash save mode (Shares Magazine) Defence and security group Qinetiq (QQ.) said it had continued to perform in line with expectations in the final quarter of its financial year to 31 March, despite the impact from coronavirus. Turturro Brings Space, Cyber Expertise to Parsons Talent Acquisition (PR Newswire) Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) announced today the addition of Dana Turturro as the company's senior vice president of talent acquisition.... Atlas AI Raises $7M in Series A Round Led by Airbus Ventures (Via Satellite) Atlas AI, a geospatial intelligence company, has raised $7 million its Series A round led by Airbus Ventures, with participation from Micron Technology and existing investor The Rockefeller Foundation. Also on Tuesday, the company announced that Lewis Pinault, partner of Airbus Ventures, has joined the company’s Products, Services, and Solutions Starlink: Why Elon Musk plans to put thousands of internet satellites into space (The Telegraph) Starlink is visible from the UK this week. But what is Elon Musk's mini-satellite constellation for? CYSEC wins European Space Agency contract to protect ship tracking communications from cyber threats (Cysec Systems) CYSEC SA, a cybersecurity company from Switzerland has been awarded a contract by the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop a solution mitigating the cyber risks related to ship tracking using satellite communications. Mercury Systems Announces Industry’s First SOSA-Aligned Ultra-Wideband Dual Microwave Upconverter (Globe Newswire) Innovative technology improves electronic warfare system interoperability while reducing development costs L-com Releases New Embedded PCB Antennas with IPEX Connectors (PR Newswire) L-com, an Infinite Electronics brand and a preferred manufacturer of wired and wireless connectivity products, announced today that they have... Congrats To The USAF and Wickr: This news could mean significant reduction in several key cyber risks for critical missions (CTOvision) I’ve know and used Wickr for quite a while. We use the pro version at OODA and strongly endorse it to all our OODA members (and even provide a discount to members wanting their own pro version here). We also use it whenever possible for business discussions external to the company. We have kicked the … Mercury Systems Receives $4.7M Artificial Intelligence Processing Technology Order for Airborne Electro-Optic Application (Yahoo) The order was booked in the Company’s fiscal 2020 third quarter and is expected to be shipped over the next several quarters. “Mercury solutions are designed to be the most rugged, durable and highest performing available to meet the rigorous demands of military and commercial customers,” said Joe Plunkett Technologies, Techniques, and Standards The Space Force’s next missile warning satellite is one step closer to a 2021 launch (C4ISRNET) The fifth geosynchronous Space Based Infrared System remains on track for launch in 2021. Space Force surveillance telescope achieves first light in Australia (C4ISRNET) Recently relocated from White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, the Space Surveillance Telescope will expand the U.S. Space Force's electro-optical coverage of objects in geosynchronous orbit. NASA sets May 27 date for historic first SpaceX launch with crew aboard (UPI) NASA has set May 27 for SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule to launch astronauts from Florida -- the first such launch from U.S. soil since the space shuttle program ended in 2011. Airman and Marine Will Head to Space in First US Manned Launch Since 2011 (Military.com) NASA is relying on the skills and experience of an active-duty Air Force colonel and a retired Marine colonel. Intelsat satellite returns to service after first commercial life extension mission (C4ISRNET) SpaceLogistics says that its initial success docking with an Intelsat satellite and returning it to service is drawing more interest in its growing satellite servicing offerings, including multiple military customers. Mission Extension Vehicle: Breathing Life Back Into In-Orbit Satellites (Northrop Grumman Newsroom) A satellite may be healthy and fully operational, but it can still be retired if its fuel supply has depleted. Once fuel runs dry, that's it: The satellite is done, unusable. Enter the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV). On average, there are about 20... Intelsat 901 Satellite Returns to Service Using Northrop Grumman’s Mission Extension Vehicle (Northrop Grumman Newsroom) Intelsat (NYSE: I) today announced that Intelsat 901 has returned to service following the successful docking with the first Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-1) from Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and the... What’s Wrong With the Air Force’s ‘Connect Everything’ Project (Defense One) In a new report, GAO watchdogs say officials can’t say how much it costs or if it’ll even work Meet the U.S. Air Force technology that’s empowering its teleworkers (Aerospace America) Aerospace engineers and others will be able to access classified networks from home In Response to COVID-19, Space Dynamics Lab Satellite Operators “Fly” Small Sats from Home (SpaceRef) The Space Dynamics Laboratory announced today that satellite operators are flying NASA spacecraft from their homes to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Space Force Is Now Fighting Coronavirus. Here's How (Military.com) The newly formed U.S. Space Force is not staying on the sidelines for the fight against the novel coronavirus. Will Today's Cybersecurity Guidelines and Standards Become Mandates for Connected Aircraft Systems? (Avionics) Aviation cybersecurity mandates by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the FAA are coming in the next two years. Three obstacles are slowing space sensors for hypersonic threats (C4ISRNET) Three obstacles impede progress on America's ability to track both emerging hypersonic missiles and today’s ballistic missile threats. U.S. Builds Ground-Based Arsenal to Jam Russia, China Satellites (BloombergQuint) The new U.S. Space Force is building an arsenal designed to temporarily jam Russian or Chinese communications satellite signals. This is what the Space Force will use to jam enemy satellites (C4ISRNET) Little is known about the Space Force's first offensive weapon, but the next-generation variant is already in development and is expected to be smaller and more capable. The launch of three US spy satellites is delayed due to COVID-19 (C4ISRNET) The National Reconnaissance Office's Don't Stop Me Now mission is on pause, though it still anticipates launching into orbit aboard an Electron rocket from Rocket Lab's New Zealand launch site. New Satellites Will Be a Big Step in the Pentagon’s Plan to Link Everything (Defense One) A new “transport layer” constellation will help distribute tactical data — but won’t have defenses against anti-satellite weapons. Plan B for GPS III ground system approved for everyday use (C4ISRNET) The Space Force said the contingency program it has been relying on until a new ground system for the GPS III satellites is ready has been approved for everyday use. Lockheed Supports US Space Force's GPS Military Security Upgrade (Defense World) Lockheed Supports US Space Force's GPS Military Security Upgrade Final steps underway to operationalize new GPS M-code signal (GPS World) U.S. Space Force, Lockheed Martin upgrade Operational Control System (OCS) and refresh GPS constellation with new satellites. The … Exclusive: Unmasking Northrop Grumman's XRQ-72A Great Horned Owl Spy Drone (The Drive) The U.S. Intelligence Community led the development of this very quiet and high-efficiency unmanned reconnaissance aircraft. Drones Take Italians' Temperature and Issue Fines (SecurityWeek) Heat sensors are taking the temperature of citizens in Italy and sending the information to a drone operator, who stares at a thermal map on his hand-held screen -- shining orange and purple blobs. Rocket Lab catches falling Electron booster with helicopter in reusability test (video) (Space.com) The milestone occurred in early March over the open ocean near New Zealand. Is the Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System program gearing up to be the next major acquisition failure? (C4ISRNET) A government watchdog says the Air Force needs to come up with a more detailed plan for ABMS. Long-Lost U.S. Military Satellite Found By Amateur Radio Operator (NPR) Scott Tilley, a Canadian ham radio enthusiast, used his spare time during COVID-19 lockdown to track down a signal from LES-5, an experimental communications satellite launched in 1967. These are the technologies the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency needs (C4ISRNET) The 2020 Technology Focus Areas publication is a guide for industry on how the agency is approaching technology broadly. Design and Innovation New App Lets Users Visualize Satellite Constellations (Air Force Magazine) For those who think they could do better than Jeff Bezos or Derek Tournear at designing communications satellite constellations—there’s now an app for that. The NRO wants to ensure its data can be fed directly to the war fighter (C4ISRNET) The National Reconnaissance Office says it wants its data incorporated into the Department of Defense's Joint All-Domain Command and Control system. Four technologies Japan and the US should team on to counter China (C4ISRNET) A new report from the Atlantic Council outlines where the U.S. and Japan need better industrial cooperation on defense projects. Research and Development Dynetics to develop NASA’s Artemis Human Lunar Landing System (Yahoo) Huntsville, Ala., April 30, 2020 -- Dynetics to develop NASA’s Artemis Human Lunar Landing SystemHUNTSVILLE, Ala., April 30, 2020 – Dynetics, a wholly owned subsidiary of. The Pentagon is looking for a quantum space sensor (C4ISRNET) A quantum space sensor could provide essential location data for space vehicles operating beyond the reaches of GPS. Boeing Says It Will Redo Critical Unmanned CST-100 Starliner Test It Borked Last Year (Gizmodo) Boeing is calling a mulligan on the failure of its CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to reach proper orbit in an unmanned test for NASA last year and will conduct another before it tries to use it to launch astronauts, the Washington Post reported Monday. NASA details how it plans to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon (TechCrunch) NASA’s Artemis program aims to bring humans back to the Moon, with the goal of staying there for good in the interest of pursuing additional science and exploration missions, including to Mars. But how will the agency actually make it possible for people to remain on the Moon for longer-term … 'Uphill battle': SpaceX overcame obstacles on road to historic 1st crew launch (Space.com) There was no guarantee that everything would work out. SpaceX Starship prototype successfully passes pressure test after three failures (Digital Trends) SpaceX has finally had success with pressure testing its prototype Starship, the giant rocket which is intended to carry astronauts to Mars. How Space Travel Tries to Kill You and Make You Ugly (Wired) Oh also, it makes you blind and stupid, too. Legislation, Policy, and Regulation 8 steps to fully funding our Air and Space forces (Defense News) America’s dominance in the air, space and cyber domains has been our asymmetric advantage for decades. Yet, this dominance can no longer be taken for granted. Pentagon Wary Of Adversaries Buying Defense Firms Amid Economic Crisis (Breaking Defense) DoD officials are working with Congress to come up with new ways to keep foreign governments out of the US military industrial base. America Needs a Coalition to Win a Space War (War on the Rocks) In February, Gen. Jay Raymond, the new chief of space operations and the head of U.S. Space Command, publicly stated that two Russian spacecraft were NATO’s new panel needs to think beyond Cold War assumptions (Defense News) A legacy alliance, NATO has seen better days — today, it is covered in cobwebs and dominated by stale thinking. Storm clouds await Pentagon’s request for defense industry cash injection (Defense News) Though the Pentagon is hunting for billions of dollars in a future package to combat the coronavirus pandemic, it looks like the next massive relief bill will be swamped in a partisan fight. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Sets Technology Priorities (SIGNAL Magazine) The agency looks to advanced software and data-driven solutions. GAO to Pentagon: Practice the Cyber Policies You Preach (Nextgov.com) The Defense Department has yet to fully implement multiple initiatives to improve basic cyber hygiene. Cybersecurity: DOD Needs to Take Decisive Actions to Improve Cyber Hygiene (US Government Accountability Office) “Cyber hygiene” is a set of practices for managing the most common and pervasive cybersecurity risks. The Department of Defense’s cyber hygiene is critical as threats to its information and networks increase.DOD has had 3 cyber hygiene initiatives underway. These efforts are incomplete—or their status is unknown because no one is in charge of reporting on progress.DOD has also developed lists of its adversaries’ most frequently used techniques, and practices to combat them. Senate committee planning Ligado hearing on GPS interference (C4ISRNET) The hearing, which could come as soon as next week, would give defense leaders a public platform to push back on an FCC decision the department says will harm GPS. FCC unanimously approves spectrum plan Pentagon rejected (C4ISRNET) The Federal Communications Commission unanimously approved a long-standing application from Ligado Networks to operate in the L-band spectrum, overriding concerns from the Department of Defense and other government agencies which were concerned the company’s plan will cause damage to the Global Positioning System, sources said April 17. Defense leaders in Congress ask Trump to stop Ligado plan (C4ISRNET) Should the FCC approve Ligado's application, it could Air Force works to ‘mitigate’ Ligado deal’s impact on GPS (C4ISRNET) Gen. David Goldfein and other Pentagon officials are Opinion | Trump Opens Outer Space for Business (Wall Street Journal) An executive order and a prospective international agreement aim to make celestial mining an attractive investment. Executive Order on Encouraging International Support for the Recovery and Use of Space Resources (The White House) By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including title IV of the U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act (Public Law 114-90), it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Policy. Space Policy Directive-1 of December 11, 2017 (Reinvigorating America’s Human Space Exploration … Russia is behind in military space capabilities, but that only drives its appetite (Defense News) Russia is working to expand its anti-access/area denial approach in outer space in the form of electronic warfare, increasing sustainability of its communication systems, and developing offensive capabilities against ground-based space infrastructure. Opinion | The Space Force is ready to launch (Washington Post) The United States is entering a new military era. Space Force Refining Doctrine, Deterrence Documents (Air Force Magazine) The Space Force is working on its capstone space doctrine publication as well as a new deterrence strategy to shape its way forward. Early Space Force missions will be less exotic than you're imagining (Houston Chronicle) The Space Force officially became the sixth branch of the armed forces in December, but its initial work is more about procurement than Star Trek ventures. USAF Taps More Missions to Join Space Force (Air Force Magazine) More than 1,800 Airmen in jobs that support space operations will transfer from the Air Force into the Space Force over the next six months. Space Force taking on new members, sending acquisition recommendations to Congress (Federal News Network) The new service wants to take on 1,800 in the next 60 days. Space Force Preps New Acquisition Ideas (Air Force Magazine) The Space Force is wrapping up its report on how to build a successful new military space acquisition enterprise, posing 10 recommendations to Capitol Hill. RAND report backs up Space Force’s plan for only two heavy launch providers (C4ISRNET) The Space and Missile Systems Center is touting a new report produced by the think tank Rand that recommends the Space Force plan for only two domestic heavy lift launch providers in the long term. 23 Air Force Units Will Become Part of the Space Force (Aviation Pros) Twenty-three U.S.-based Air Force units focused on space operations will move into the Space Force in the coming months as officials build up the military's newest branch, Pentagon officials announced Tuesday. Space Force Accepting Applications Starting May 1 - Air Force Magazine (Air Force Magazine) Want to be one of the first military members to volunteer to join the Space Force? Your 30-day window of opportunity starts May 1. The Space Review: Space Force: the struggle continues (Space Review) Amazingly, the coronavirus crisis has not had any effect on the political and bureaucratic fight over the new US Space Force. The conflict currently includes issues such as creation of a Space Force National Guard component and a new Space Force intelligence agency. DoD sees CMMC as new way to monitor supply chain, spot shell companies (Federal News Network) DoD says CMMC certifications will require an in-person visit by a third-party auditor, partly to make sure the company being certified really exists. 5 questions with the Marine Corps’ deputy commandant for information (C4ISRNET) Lt. Gen. Loretta Reynolds, the Corps’ deputy commandant for information, explains why she shies away from the term The Intelligence Community’s top IT official will replace Pentagon’s retiring deputy CIO (Federal Times) After a 35 year career, DoD Principal Deputy CIO is retiring How the Justice Department is Permitted to Use Counter-Drone Technology (Nextgov.com) The guidance enables the agency and its subcomponents to intercept, damage or destroy threatening drones in some cases. Litigation, Investigation, and Law Enforcement WSJ News Exclusive | Prosecutors, Regulators Probe Boeing 737 MAX Production Issues (Wall Street Journal) Boeing faces criminal and civil scrutiny into years of widespread quality-control lapses on its 737 MAX assembly line. Judge Hands Setback to Amazon in JEDI Case (Wall Street Journal) A federal judge granted the Pentagon’s request to reconsider aspects of its huge JEDI cloud-computing contract, a move that Amazon had opposed. Report on the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) Cloud Procurement (Inspector General, US Department of Defense) This report presents the results of the DoD Office of Inspector General (OIG) review of the DoD Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) Cloud procurement process and our investigation into allegations that former DoD officials engaged in ethical misconduct related to the JEDI Cloud procurement. Pentagon IG finds JEDI contract didn’t violate law, but ethical questions remain (Federal Times) While a long-awaited inspector general report on the Pentagon's JEDI cloud found that the procurement followed the law, the IG did find ethical violations and post-award mistakes. Low-orbit internet banking fraud claim alleged to be a load of space junk (Register) This is what comes of mixing the International Space Station, a relationship breakdown, and banking records

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