European governments are increasingly aware of the need to reduce reliance on Elon Musk’s SpaceX for satellite communications. Alarm was sparked in February when the U.S. threatened to cut Ukraine’s access to Starlink, a critical asset in its defense against Russia. A new white paper now urges the European Commission to fund Ukraine’s satellite needs through domestic providers. European satellite companies have confirmed ongoing discussions with officials to offer backup connectivity. The move signals a push for strategic autonomy in space-based infrastructure. Original news
Category: USA
Trump Unveils $1 Trillion Defense Budget Proposal, Aims for Historic Military Investment
President Donald Trump has announced plans for a $1 trillion defense budget, marking an unprecedented milestone for Pentagon funding. Speaking Monday, Trump called it the largest military budget ever proposed by his administration. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the announcement, emphasizing spending focus on “lethality and readiness.” The proposal will face congressional scrutiny, with analysts predicting a contentious appropriations process. Significant cuts to non-defense programs are expected, setting the stage for political clashes with Democrats. Original news
Space Force Launches Orbital Watch to Alert Commercial Operators of Space Threats
The U.S. Space Force has introduced a new program called Orbital Watch to share unclassified threat data with over 900 commercial space operators. Managed by Space Systems Command, the initiative is supported by U.S. Space Command, the Intelligence Community, and the Pentagon’s Space Policy office. Orbital Watch aims to provide early warnings about evolving threats in orbit, including cyberattacks, electronic warfare, and hostile satellite behavior. The program enhances collaboration between military and commercial space sectors. Officials say the goal is to help companies build more resilient systems against growing space-based threats. Original news
U.S. Officials Push for Streamlined Space Regulations Amid Industry Growth
Regulators and officials emphasized the urgent need to modernize U.S. space law to match the pace of innovation in the sector. At the Space Symposium, experts from agencies like the FAA, NOAA, and FCC highlighted the relevance of Article Six of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. They stressed that current overlapping and fragmented regulations hinder efficient oversight and growth. The U.S. government is being urged to create a more unified legal framework for space activity. Balancing national responsibility with industry flexibility remains a key challenge moving forward. Original news
Ukrainian Pilots Fly F-16s Daily in Strikes on Eastern Russia, U.S. General Confirms
Ukrainian Air Force pilots are conducting daily operations with F-16 fighters, focusing on neutralizing missile threats and executing strikes in eastern Russia. U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli testified before the Senate that the Ukrainian pilots have successfully intercepted numerous cruise missiles. He also emphasized their role in delivering extensive offensive bombing missions. Cavoli confirmed that most of Ukraine’s F-16s originated from northern European allies, specifically the Netherlands and Denmark. Exact figures on aircraft or missions remain undisclosed for security reasons. Original news
US Yemen Campaign Costs Nearly $1 Billion Amid Limited Strategic Gains
CNN reports that the US military’s offensive against Houthi militants in Yemen has cost nearly $1 billion since launching on March 15, with limited effectiveness in reducing the group’s core capabilities. The operation has involved high-end weaponry, including B-2 bombers and long-range cruise missiles, raising concerns over financial sustainability and munitions stockpile impacts. While the campaign has lowered Houthi missile attacks on Israel, it has not curtailed their threats to US drones or Red Sea shipping lanes. Vice President JD Vance criticized the effort as a strategic misstep, questioning its long-term value. Some officials worry the drain on advanced munitions […]
Global Powers Intensify Military Space Investments Amid Growing Strategic Competition
Secure World Foundation has released a study revealing significant global investments in military space capabilities. The United States, China, and Russia are leading the way, enhancing their abilities in satellite destruction, jamming, and overall space-based warfare. Countries like Australia, France, and India are also ramping up their space defense efforts, focusing on communications, intelligence, and electronic warfare. The report emphasizes that future conflicts are likely to involve space as a key domain. As a result, nations are reorganizing their military structures to better integrate and prioritize space operations. Original news
L3Harris Secures Long-Term Radio Contract with Dutch Ministry of Defence
L3Harris Technologies has signed a long-term agreement with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to supply combat net radios under the Foxtrot armed forces digital modernization program. The radios will come from L3Harris’s Falcon IV family and support the MTBB project, which includes vehicle-mounted and handheld systems. The acquisition will equip approximately 8,000 vehicles, 3,500 personnel, 135 vessels, and 170 aircraft and helicopters. The Foxtrot program has a budget of up to €2.5 billion ($2.8 billion) and is set to continue until at least 2036. This agreement marks a significant step in modernizing the Netherlands’ military communication infrastructure. Original news
SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin Secure $13.5 Billion Space Force Launch Contracts
SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Blue Origin have won U.S. Space Force contracts totaling $13.5 billion to launch national security satellites through 2029. The deals fall under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program, which will allocate approximately 54 missions via incremental task orders. These launches will support the Pentagon’s most sensitive and complex satellite operations. The Space Force’s Space Systems Command emphasized the importance of reliable access to space for national defense. This marks a significant expansion of Blue Origin’s role alongside more established players like SpaceX and ULA. Original news
Portal Space Systems Secures $17.5M to Launch Revolutionary Supernova Spacecraft
Portal Space Systems has raised $17.5 million in one of the largest seed rounds for a space startup in the past decade to develop its Supernova spacecraft. Supernova is designed for rapid transorbital travel, capable of reaching MEO in minutes, GEO in hours, and cislunar space in days from LEO. The company has completed the first print of its proprietary thermal propulsion system, which mimics nuclear performance without requiring a fission reactor. It also opened a new 8,000-square-foot headquarters and testing facility near Seattle. With a team of industry veterans, Portal aims for Supernova to surpass current space transport technologies. […]
Norway Becomes First Partner to Complete F-35A Fleet Acquisition
Norway has received its final two Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets, becoming the first F-35 partner nation to complete its program of record. The delivery marks the full modernization of the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s fleet, replacing its retired F-16s and boosting national defense capabilities. To support long-term operations, Norway is establishing a new F-35 maintenance facility at Rygge air base. The site will be run by Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services and is expected to support the fleet for up to 15 years. The development highlights Norway’s commitment to strengthening its airpower and defense infrastructure. Original news
DARPA Selects 18 Firms for Next Phase of Quantum Computing Moonshot
DARPA has selected 18 companies to further develop their quantum computing concepts as part of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI). The program aims to identify scalable quantum technologies that can deliver computational advantages exceeding their cost by 2033. In the next phase, selected firms will undergo rigorous equipment testing and independent evaluations. Stage C participants will face full-scale verification of all components and algorithms essential to building fault-tolerant quantum computers. DARPA describes QBI as a “moonshot” effort to transform the quantum computing field over the next decade. Original news
U.S. Urges Europe to Maintain American Defense Ties Amid EU Industry Push
U.S. officials are urging European allies to keep buying American-made weapons despite the EU’s push to strengthen its own defense industry. The European Commission’s ReArm Europe initiative could limit U.S. firms’ involvement in EU defense contracts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the issue in talks with Baltic foreign ministers, stressing the importance of American participation. U.S. officials caution that sidelining American companies may harm transatlantic defense cooperation. The move comes amid broader efforts in Europe to reduce dependency on foreign military suppliers. Original news
U.S. Faces Escalating Threats from China and Russia in the Space Race
China’s and Russia’s expanding military space capabilities present serious national security risks for the United States. The Council on Foreign Relations has expressed concern that the U.S., despite deploying many smaller space assets, is falling behind. U.S. Air Force Gen. Stephen N. Whiting stated that China is advancing its counterspace technologies at a “breathtaking pace” to undermine American and Allied systems. Harrod argues that American space and defense companies must align more closely with national interests to address vulnerabilities. He stresses the urgency of winning the new space race, noting that it requires more than just visionary individuals to succeed. […]
Amazon to Launch First 27 Kuiper Internet Satellites on April 9
Amazon.com plans to launch the first 27 satellites for its Project Kuiper internet network on April 9, 2025, at noon EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. An Atlas 5 rocket from United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin, will carry out the launch. Project Kuiper aims to deploy over 3,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit to provide global high-speed internet, positioning it as a competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink system. Amazon has committed $10 billion to the development of this network since its announcement in 2019. Rajeev Badyal, Amazon’s Kuiper vice president, emphasized the importance […]