Military seeks over $2 billion for unfunded space programs • Aerospace HQ moves to DC

National security insights for space professionals. Delivered Tuesdays.

View this email in your browser National security insights for space professionals. Delivered Tuesdays. In this week's edition: • General says more eyes and ears needed in GEO orbit • Space Command, Space Force submit wish lists of unfunded requirements • Redwire unveils remote-sensing satellite designed for very low orbit If this newsletter was forwarded to you, sign up for free here Today's highlights: U.S. Space Command needs better intelligence about threats to satellites in geostationary Earth orbit, the head of the command Gen. Stephen Whiting said last week.  GEO is a critical orbital perch for the nation's most important military and intelligence spacecraft, and more surveillance assets are needed in that region of space, he said.  U.S. Space Command, based in Colorado Springs, is responsible for military operations in the space domain. The U.S. Space Force is modernizing ground-based sensors and acquiring a network of deep space radar. But ground sensors are limited by distance and weather so the Space Force and the intelligence community are deploying more surveillance satellites to keep a closer eye on potential threats such as anti-satellite weapons.  The Space Force is eyeing a new constellation of geostationary satellites with imaging capabilities similar to those currently provided by the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program satellites, or GSSAP.  The Space Systems Command recently issued a request for information for industry capabilities to develop GSSAP-like satellites capable of detecting, tracking and characterizing objects operating in and around the GEO belt. These future satellites would be outfitted with electro-optical sensors and would be capable of conducting rendezvous and proximity operations. The Space Force also wants them to be refueled in orbit. Whiting on March 21 testified in front of the House Armed Services Committee's strategic forces subcommittee and revealed the command submitted a $1.2 billion list of so-called "unfunded requirements" that were not included in the recently submitted 2025 defense budget. The Space Force submitted a separate $1.1 billion list of unfunded priorities. Most of the items on the lists are classified programs. Whiting said that, broadly speaking, the unfunded needs are for technologies for "space control" and "space superiority."  Space control refers to the ability to guarantee the unhindered use of space for U.S. and allied operations, while also being able to deny an enemy the same freedom. It's about ensuring U.S. satellites and other space assets can function without disruption. Space superiority is having the ability to conduct operations freely and anywhere without any significant interference from an opponent, similar to air supremacy in aviation. Space Command's key focus is on preventing enemies from disrupting U.S. space operations. This is crucial for national security as many critical functions rely on space-based systems like GPS and communication satellites. Redwire eyes defense market with a low-orbiting satellite. The company is developing a new satellite called SabreSat designed to operate in very low Earth orbit (VLEO), an increasingly important regime for defense and intelligence applications that demand reduced communications lag and enhanced imagery.  Dean Bellamy, Redwire's executive vice president for national security space, said last week at the Satellite 2024 conference that the company sees growing opportunities in VLEO, where satellites face challenges like increased atmospheric drag that few existing spacecraft were designed to handle, The company announced the new satellite during an earnings call March 15. Upcoming webinar REGISTER HERE In other news 🚀 The National Reconnaissance Office is seeking innovations from private industry in support of its space launch operations.  The NRO's Office of Space Launch issued a Broad Area Announcement (BAA) requesting proposals for its "Agile Launch Innovation and Strategic Technology Advancement" program.  "The aim is to advance launch technology in strategic areas of interest that range from ground operations to on-orbit services," the agency said in a statement. Submissions are due by April 5. China's military is developing technologies and training tools for on-orbit satellite refueling for both peacetime and wartime scenarios, according to a new report published by the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI). The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is integrating lessons learned into military doctrine and training tools, while a defense contractor has already demonstrated what it calls a space fuel tanker in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO).  The report notes that the PLA has a "strategic focus on enhancing its on-orbit logistics capabilities." Aerospace Corp. has relocated its corporate headquarters from El Segundo, California, to the Washington, D.C., area. President and CEO Steve Isakowitz said the decision was driven by the evolving space landscape in the U.S. government and a need for closer proximity to key decision makers. "What has happened in the last few years really drove major trends that made it a very powerful case to head to Washington D.C.," Isakowitz said. Thanks for reading ! Please send comments, suggestions and tips to serwin@spacenews.com Copyright (C) 2024 Multiverse Media Inc.. All rights reserved. You signed up to receive this newsletter on Spacenews.com. 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