The Week In National Security Space
Space Force
Gen Saltzman highlights instrumental role of acquisition force in the Joint Force. During a visit to Space Systems Command, Chief of Space Operations Gen Chance Saltzman addressed the vital role that the acquisition workforce plays in the lethality and success of the Joint Force. “Space acquisition is a complex endeavor. It requires a service-level attention across processes, procedures, expertise and different competencies,” Gen Saltzman explained. “What makes space acquisition work is everybody coming together, collaborating, bringing their expertise, so that we can meet the sense of urgency that’s required, deliver the capabilities that our warfighters need and address the threats that are only growing as we continue to move forward with the Space Force.” He noted that Guardians are perfectly positioned to combat emerging threats because of the coupling of operations and acquisitions, adding that the future generations of Guardians will need to have a “broad understanding of our capabilities, of our missions, of the key activities that we perform.”
Industry
Rocket Lab acquires Geost for $275M to expand military space capabilities. Rocket Lab announced on May 27 that it will acquire Geost for $275 million, the latest move in a broader campaign to establish itself as a serious contender for U.S. military satellite contracts. Geost builds EO/IR payloads used in U.S. military satellites for missile warning and space surveillance. The deal strengthens Rocket Lab’s position for upcoming Space Development Agency contracts, including Tranche 3 of the Tracking Layer and the $175M Golden Dome missile defense system. Rocket Lab already holds a $515M SDA contract for 18 Transport Layer satellites. Geost’s 115 employees will join Rocket Lab’s 2,600-person global workforce. “We’re not done,” Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck said in an interview, hinting at more acquisitions to come.
Portal Space’s in-space hardware validation. Portal Space Systems will fly its first on-orbit demonstration in early 2026. The mission will validate Portal’s flight computer, avionics, and flight software in space. Portal Space Systems is building toward a full-scale demonstration of its Supernova multi-role, transorbital spacecraft. “In-space validation is the cornerstone of de-risking space systems, especially when you’re building a spacecraft like Supernova that has to think, act and react across transorbital domains,” said Jeff Thornburg, CEO and co-founder of Portal Space Systems.
International
Japan MoD selects commercial companies to launch EO satellite. The Japan Ministry of Defense selected companies Space One and Space BD for the launch of a Canon Electronics optical imaging satellite. The companies’ announcement did not disclose the contract value or projected launch date. Under the agreement, Space BD will provide launch services, with the launch carried out by Space One on its Kairos small launch vehicle. “We aim to contribute to Japan’s national security, the advancement of the commercial space industry, and the long-term sustainability of space activities,” Masakazu Toyoda, president and chief executive of Space One, said in a statement. Kairos is a four-stage solid-fuel rocket capable of placing 150 kilograms into sun-synchronous orbits. It launches from the private Spaceport Kii, on Tokyo’s main island of Honshu. Despite initial launch failures, Space One still projects launching as often as 20 times a year by end of the decade.
Threats
Threats Wrap-Up: Different types of anti-satellite effects must be considered in a potential future conflict with a space warfare component. Before the onset of kinetic warfare against orbiting platforms, U.S. adversaries are likely to commence radio frequency and cyber-attacks against what they consider high value targets, to include some commercial satellites, in all orbital regimes. Kinetic attacks are more complex depending on which orbit the targeted satellite is in. They are also typically less cost effective, therefore limiting their use. The U.S. intelligence community speculates that assets in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) will be included in the adversary’s calculus, meaning kinetic affects against those assets are likely. Recent experimental Chinese satellites have suggested and even demonstrated capabilities that can degrade or deny satellite missions. Further, ground-launched weapons could be used to target satellites in GEO as well. Identifying, tracking, and mitigating such threats will be a high priority for the Space Force.
Additionally, Russia recently announced establishment of a multi-year plan to reinvigorate its space program. It is ostensibly for exploratory missions, lunar development, and a proliferated constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) communications satellites to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink fleet. However, development of secretive space missions for various military purposes to include anti-satellite threats, are also likely included in Russia’s plans.
The Week Ahead
Monday, 2 May
The Exchange: Advancing the Legacy of Innovation & National Security w/ ADM Samuel Paparo, et. al. June 2-4. Washington, D.C. (more)
Tuesday, 3 May
CNAS 2025 National Security Conference | America’s Edge: Forging the Future w/ Gen David Allvin, Rep. Jim Himes, Rep. John Moolenaar, Rep. Pat Ryan, Rep. Maggie Goodlander, et. al. Washington, D.C. & Virtual. (more)
SSCI: To receive a closed briefing on certain intelligence matters. Washington, D.C. (more)
Wednesday, 4 May
CSIS: America’s ‘Golden Dome’ Explained w/ Kari Bingen, et. al. Washington, D.C. & Virtual. (more)
SSCI: To receive a closed briefing on certain intelligence matters. Washington, D.C. (more)
HPSCI: National Reconnaissance Office, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency FY 2026 Budget Hearing (CLOSED) w/ VADM Frank Whitworth, Dr. Chris Scolese, and Lt Gen Jeffrey Kruse. Washington, D.C. (more)
AFA Warfighters in Action w/ Col Nick Hague. Arlington, VA & Virtual. (more)
FedScoop Emerge: Edge Forward w/ Daryl Haegley, et. al. Washington, D.C. (more)
SSC Consortium for Space Mobility and ISAM Capabilities (COSMIC) Convergence 2025. June 4-5. Los Angeles, CA. (more)
Thursday, 5 May
HASC: Department of the Air Force Fiscal Year 2026 Posture w/ Hon Troy Meink, Gen David Allvin, and Gen Chance Saltzman. Washington, D.C. & Virtual. (more)
HPSCI: FY 2026 Budget Request for the Military Services (CLOSED). Washington, D.C. (more)
SFA FL Chapter June Social: Titusville! Titusville, FL (more)
Schriever Wall of Honor Induction Ceremony, Los Angeles, CA
Friday, 6 May
AFA Schriever Chapter Executive Forum. Los Angeles, CA.
AFA Schriever Chapter Salute to SSC. Los Angeles, CA. (more)
Upcoming Events
(** = new additions)
June 2025
**10: Hudson Institute Defending in Outer Space: A Conversation with Congressman Jeff Crank, Washington, D.C. & Virtual (more)
10: SFA ESRA Midland Mixer, Midland, TX (more)
10: SpaceNews: Conversation with Rep George Whitesides, Virtual (more)
10: NH Tech Alliance Northeast National Security Conference, Manchester, NH (more)
**11: SFA Boston | Launch Event with Special Guest Lt Gen Garrant, Lincoln, MA (more)
11: CSBR SpaceBall 2025, Denver, CO (more)
11: MDA: Golden Dome for America Industry Summit – Engaging Non-Traditional and Traditional Companies, Huntsville, AL (more)
**12: ISU Space Café with Professional House Staffer Martin Holmes, Arlington, VA (more)
14: NGA AI Industry Day (Classified), Springfield, VA (more)
**16: WSBR Luncheon, Washington, D.C. (more)
**16-22: SIAE 2025 Paris Air Show, Paris, France (more)
**17: AFCEA LA Chapter Luncheon with Shannon Pallone, El Segundo, CA (more)
17-18: NTSA Training & Simulation Industry Symposium (TSIS) 2025, Orlando, FL (more)
17-18: Commercial Integration Cell Executive Summit, Colorado Springs, CO
18: NSSA Space Threats and Acquisition Forum (TS/SCI), Herdon, VA (more)
18: MSBR June 2025 Luncheon, Greenbelt, MD (more)
19: DC Spaceball 2025, Washington, D.C. (more)
19-22: International Space Development Conference, Orlando, FL (more)
24: Mitchell Institute Aerospace Nation: Rep Don Bacon, Virtual (more)
24: Mitchell Institute Schriever Spacepower Series: Dr. Kelly Hammett, Virtual (more)
25: INSA: The New IC, Arlington, VA (more)
25-26: DSI Digital Engineering for Defense, Washington, D.C. (more)
25-26: DSI SmallSat & Aerospace Access Summit, National Harbor, MD (more)
**26: SFA Western Region All Hands Meeting, Virtual (more)
**26: Defense One Tech Summit 2025, Pentagon City, VA (more)
July 2025
2: INSA Leadership Dinner with Gen. Michael Guetlein, Tysons Corner, VA (more)
**7-10: SpaceTide 2025, Tokyo, Japan (more)
15-16: Andy Thomas/Australian Space Forum, Adelaide, Australia (more)
15-18: Aspen Security Forum, Aspen, CO (more)
16: MSBR July 2025 Luncheon, Greenbelt, MD (more)
16-17: UK Space Conference, Manchester, UK (more)
17: NSSA Space Investors Forum, Arlington, VA (more)
**22: Space Foundation Innovate Space: Global Economic Summit, Arlington, VA (more)
22-25: 2025 ASCEND, Las Vegas, NV (more)
31: POC 2025 Air and Space Summit, McLean, VA (more)
August 2025
5-7: Space and Missile Defense Symposium, Huntsville, AL (more)
**6: INSA Securing Space: Threats, Strategic Roles, and Building Resilience (Chatham House Rules), Colorado Springs, CO (more)
10-13: 39th Annual Small Satellite Conference, Salt Lake City, UT (more)
26-28: 2025 Space Warfighter Forum, Colorado Springs, CO (more)
Congress / White House
Federal court blocks Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs under emergency powers law
Associated Press, 29 May
Tuberville to run for governor, leave Senate
The Hill, 27 May
Space Force
DAF opens 2025 public comment period for Support of Military Families basing-decision scorecard updates
Space Force News, 30 May
USAFA Graduates Face Tough Road Ahead, Air Force Secretary Says
Air & Space Forces Magazine, 29 May
Chief of Space Operations lauds acquisition workforce, discusses shift in Guardian development during visit to Los Angeles Air Force Base
Space Force News, 29 May
Guardians strengthen multinational partnerships and demonstrate electronic warfare during African Lion 2025
Space Force News, 28 May
After Delays, Hundreds of Full-Time Air Force Reservists Preparing to Transfer to Space Force
Military,com, 27 May
Space Command
GAO: Air Force analysis pointed to permanent SPACECOM HQ in Alabama
Inside Defense, 29 May
General Says Commercial Space Industry is Ready for Golden Dome
Air & Space Forces Magazine, 23 May
DoD / Other Services
Hegseth halves staff of Pentagon’s testing-oversight office
Defense One, 29 May
Services Ordered to Cut PCS Moves by 50% over Next 5 Years
Military.com, 28 May
Interagency / Other Departments
DIA’s New Military Intelligence Platform Nearing Full Operational Capability
Defense Daily, 29 May
Commercial Imagery May See $300 Million-$400 Million Cut in NRO Budget
Defense Daily, 28 May
Office of Space Commerce Releases Update to TraCSS Beta with On-Demand Screening
Via Satellite, 27 May
Space Policy / Commentary
Op-Ed Mineiro | The real Golden Dome opportunity – defense acquisition reform
SpaceNews, 27 May
Op-Ed Jackson | Mission-ready communications: enhancing defense capabilities with multi-orbit, multi-network systems
SpaceNews, 26 May
Space Acquisition
U.S. Space Force Exploring Lease of Commercial Small and Medium Satellites for GEO
Via Satellite, 30 May
ExoTerra Delivers 21 Propulsion Modules for York Space Systems’ SDA Satellites
Via Satellite, 27 May
Industry
University of Colorado, Boulder to announce new space policy center
SpaceNews, 30 May
Northrop Grumman pumps $50M into Firefly for medium launch vehicle
Breaking Defense, 29 May
With strategic acquisitions, Rocket Lab pursues prime defense contractor status
SpaceNews, 29 May
Maxar Intelligence taps tech veteran to lead commercial business
SpaceNews, 29 May
Portal Space Systems to Fly On-Orbit Demo on Momentus Vehicle
Via Satellite, 28 May
Apex announces Comet satellite bus for constellations
SpaceNews, 28 May
From wildfires to battlefield cloud cover, Muon’s multispectral sats pique government interest
Breaking Defense, 27 May
Starship breaks up on reentry after loss of attitude control
SpaceNews, 27 May
Rocket Lab to acquire satellite payload manufacturer Geost for $275 million
SpaceNews, 27 May
International
Ovzon Receives Largest Contract to Date to Support Swedish Defense
Via Satellite, 30 May
Skepticism lingers about cost and business case for IRIS²
SpaceNews, 30 May
Korea approves domestic operations of Starlink, OneWeb satellite internet services
The Korea Times, 30 May
Space One and Space BD to launch satellite for Japanese military
SpaceNews, 29 May
Trump’s ‘golden dome’ a golden opportunity for AUKUS in space, says Morrison
Sydney Morning Herald, 27 May
Germany Sees Hope For SARah Satellite Recovery
Aviation Week Network, 28 May
EnduroSat raises $49 million to mass produce larger satellites
SpaceNews, 27 May
Threats
China’s Astronstone raises early funding for stainless steel rocket with “chopstick” recovery
SpaceNews, 30 May
New report details China’s push to dominate artificial intelligence
SpaceNews, 29 May
U.S. Space Force Highlights Chinese Development of ‘High Ground’ Systems
Defense Daily, 28 May
Russia Sets $56B Space Program, Seeking to Close Gaps in Space Race
Aviation Week Network, 26 May
Golden Dome
Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ Riles Nuclear-Armed Foes
Wall Street Journal, 27 May
North Korea Says Trump’s Golden Dome Risks ‘Space Nuclear War’
Military.com, 27 May
PNT
SpaceX and Lockheed Team Up to Accelerate GPS Launch
Payload, 30 May
Space Force orders two more GPS IIIF satellites for $509.7 million
SpaceNews, 28 May
SpaceX to launch another GPS III satellite in record turnaround
SpaceNews, 28 May