Space Force seeks fresh bidders for satellite-control antennas

spacenews.com Jun 25, 2026

Space Force seeks fresh bidders for satellite-control antennas

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 25, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

The U.S. Space Force is launching a new competition for mobile satellite-control antennas, restarting a program canceled after abandoning a $1.7 billion contract with AeroVironment. The Space Force's Rapid Capabilities Office issued a pre-solicitation under the Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource program, seeking industry proposals for electronically steered phased-array antennas to supplement the military's aging Satellite Control Network. The program aims to address growing capacity constraints and shift toward a more commercial procurement strategy. The new approach seeks commercially derived phased-array systems that can be produced at scale, introducing additional vendors and emphasizing manufacturing capacity and supply-chain resilience.

💡 Why It Matters

· New competitors like Northwood Space can now enter the market, bringing innovative solutions to the Space Force's satellite control needs.
· The shift towards commercial procurement strategies opens up opportunities for non-traditional suppliers to provide cutting-edge technology.

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Boeing wins $2 billion Space Force contract for communications satellites

Boeing has secured a $2 billion contract to build two next-generation military communications satellites for the U.S. Space Force. The contract, worth up to $2 billion, covers the design, development, production, and testing of the satellites for the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), the military's primary narrowband communications constellation. The satellites are expected to be delivered by 2035. Boeing won the contract over Lockheed Martin, which built the five current MUOS satellites. The MUOS system connects troops, ships, aircraft, and special operations forces through a network of satellites in geostationary orbit.

💡 The $2 billion contract win highlights Boeing's continued dominance in the military satellite market, underscoring the company's ability to deliver critical communications systems to the U.S. military.

spacenews.com · Jun 23

Rocket Lab launches satellite for U.S. Space Force Victus Haze responsive space…

Rocket Lab launched the Victus Haze Puma spacecraft, a $32 million contract awarded by the U.S. Space Force, from its launch site in Mahia, New Zealand. The spacecraft will participate in a military exercise focused on rapidly identifying and characterizing potential threats in space. The Victus Haze mission is part of the Space Force's Tactically Responsive Space program, which aims to prove commercial providers can launch spacecraft on military timelines while performing sophisticated missions. The exercise builds on lessons from the 2023 Victus Nox demonstration and seeks to transform responsive launch into an operational military capability.

💡 The Victus Haze mission showcases the Space Force's ability to rapidly deploy spacecraft capable of maneuvering, inspecting, and characterizing objects in orbit, a crucial capability for future conflicts where satellites may need to be quickly replaced or deployed.

theregister.com · Jun 23

Inspired by musical greeting cards, DARPA demands tiny, cheap, self-modifying systems

DARPA has issued a request for information for new low-resource computing paradigms inspired by musical greeting cards and the first general-purpose programmable electronic computer. The project aims to develop tiny, cheap, self-modifying systems for use on future battlefields, addressing the "resource paradox" at the low end of the computing spectrum. DARPA seeks concepts that operate with little power and memory, tolerate unreliable components, and require minimal technological sophistication. The goal is to create systems that can be built using low-precision manufacturing techniques and legacy fabrication processes, with responses needing to address at least one of the specified areas.

💡 Self-modifying systems could enable military operations in low-trust environments with unsecured data sources and components. Simplified user experiences would allow average soldiers to operate these systems effectively.

techcrunch.com · Jun 22

Ethan Thornton is trying to do everything all at once

Ethan Thornton, the 22-year-old founder of Mach Industries, has been working on six unmanned weapons systems since dropping out of MIT at 19. Despite the company's rapid growth, with a $1.8 billion valuation and $485 million in funding, Thornton's diffuse focus has raised questions about the company's ability to deliver on its ambitious goals. Mach is working on a range of complex systems, including a vertical-takeoff strike aircraft and a 40-foot Navy logistics-and-strike aircraft, with several expected to reach operational deployment by the end of the year.

💡 Mach's aggressive bet on out-creating China, rather than out-manufacturing it, highlights the shift in the defense industry towards innovation and productization. By focusing on supply chain development and component sales, Mach is challenging traditional defense companies to rethink their approach and prioritize creativity over production capacity.

financialexpress.com · Jun 21

Can AI improve your immigration approval? Experts dissect the dos and don’ts

The US Department of Homeland Security is using artificial intelligence tools to review immigration filings and flag inconsistencies. A growing number of Indian students, professionals, and entrepreneurs are also using AI tools to write personal statements and visa petitions. However, experts warn that using these tools carelessly can introduce factual errors and create inconsistencies. Immigration attorney Kevin J Andrews and other experts emphasize that AI can be a useful assistant, but it cannot replace human judgment and verification. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services' Evidence Classifier system flags and organizes cases, but does not replace immigration officers. The system's organization of a file can influence outcomes, and visa vetting increasingly extends beyond the initial application.

💡 The integration of AI in immigration processes raises concerns about the potential for factual errors and inconsistencies. Experts' warnings about the limitations of AI tools highlight the need for human oversight to ensure accurate and fair adjudication.

teslarati.com · Jun 21

President Trump touts new Air Force One with Musk technology

President Donald Trump unveiled an upgraded Boeing 747-8 at Joint Base Andrews, describing it as an interim Air Force One equipped with advanced communications systems, including Elon Musk's SpaceX satellite internet service, Starlink. The plane, valued at around $400 million, serves as a bridge until the delayed VC-25B replacements arrive. Trump highlighted its luxury features and new technology, including Starlink, during remarks to service members. The aircraft features a redesigned livery and has been outfitted with secure systems. The gift from Qatar and subsequent modifications have drawn attention, with the jet positioned as a solution for presidential travel, supporting operations and ceremonial roles.

💡 The integration of Starlink technology enhances the President's ability to stay connected during flights, ensuring continuous communication and decision-making capabilities. This capability is crucial for national security and emergency response situations.