Latest news with #U.S.SpaceForce
Gizmodo
15 hours ago
- Science
- Gizmodo
Space Force's Secretive X-37B Is Returning to Space With New Tech
Just a few months after wrapping up its seventh test flight in orbit, Space Force's experimental vehicle known as X-37B is ready for another go. For its upcoming mission, the spaceplane will test new technologies meant to bolster military capabilities in space, such as a navigational sensor that could replace GPS. The U.S. Space Force is set to launch the Boeing-built orbital test vehicle, designated as OTV-8, on August 21 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. For flight number eight, X-37B will carry an unidentified number of payloads, including a laser communications technology demonstration and a quantum sensor for navigation in space, according to the Space Force. The laser communications demonstration will use infrared light to transmit data and involve commercial satellites in low Earth orbit. Laser communication packs more data into each transmission, and it's also considered more secure than the more commonly used radio frequency transmissions. OTV-8 will also carry a quantum inertial sensor, an extremely precise device that measures acceleration using the principles of quantum mechanics. The device would enable navigation without having to rely on GPS. 'This technology is useful for navigation in GPS-denied environments and consequently will enhance the navigational resilience of U.S. spacecraft in the face of current and emerging threats,' the Space Force wrote in a statement. The X-37B launched on December 28, 2023, for its seventh mission, spending a total of 434 days in orbit before returning to Earth on March 7. Its last mission was significantly shorter than flight number six, which spent a record-breaking 908 days in orbit before landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in November 2022. The spaceplane beat its previous record of 780 consecutive days in orbit. Rather than focusing on the longevity of its missions, the Space Force seems to be gearing toward a faster turnaround of its reusable vehicle. The Space Force is in a race with China to develop the capabilities of its spaceplane. China is in the midst of testing its own spaceplane, Shenlong, which completed its third mission in late 2024 after spending 268 days in orbit. Both countries have shared little information about their respective vehicles, although the Space Force has recently started revealing more about its spaceplane's mission objectives since it made its debut in 2010.
Business Wire
20 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Slingshot Aerospace Launches TALOS: AI Agent for Mission-Ready Space Operations and Strategy
WINDSOR, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Slingshot Aerospace, Inc., the leader in AI-powered solutions for satellite tracking, space traffic coordination, and space modeling and simulation, today announced the launch of Slingshot TALOS — the Thinking Agent for Logical Operations and Strategy. TALOS is an autonomous, AI-powered agent designed to imitate realistic satellite actions in training and simulation environments. Purpose-built using Slingshot's behavior cloning pipeline, TALOS learns and replicates real-world spacecraft tactics, such as representative behaviors, space warfare maneuvers, and dogfighting strategies. Once assigned a mission, TALOS evaluates its surroundings, reasons through potential strategies and tactics, and executes its objective within a simulated, physics-accurate orbital environment. 'Space has become an integral warfighting domain, and AI-powered training and simulation capabilities will ensure the U.S., and its allies, are prepared for any relevant warfighting scenario,' said Tim Solms, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace. 'TALOS builds upon years of collaboration with the U.S. Space Force's Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) and Slingshot's proven virtual environments. It embeds AI agents that simulate realistic threats, optimize real-world operations, and support mission command decision-making with unprecedented speed and precision.' The U.S. Space Force's 57th Space Aggressors Squadron recently engaged with TALOS to help define its future role as a critical force multiplier for the unit's training mission. During exercises, TALOS was used to simulate complex, adaptive threat behaviors at machine speed — accelerating scenario development, expanding the scale of simulated adversaries, and enhancing mission realism. Squadron members also leveraged TALOS ahead of Space Flag to shape scenarios and inform planning for its use in future iterations of the exercise. Beyond its training and simulation utility, TALOS brings autonomous decision support to real-world spacecraft operations. Powered by Slingshot's space object tracking and mission intelligence datasets, including the Seradata satellite and launch history database, TALOS continuously evaluates a spacecraft's environment, identifies viable courses of action, and selects the optimal path forward, supporting mission safety, longevity, and operational agility. About Slingshot Aerospace Slingshot Aerospace provides government and commercial partners around the world with AI-powered solutions for satellite tracking, space traffic coordination, and space modeling and simulation. The Slingshot Platform transforms disparate space data into a common operating picture of the space domain by leveraging advanced space object tracking, artificial intelligence, astrodynamics, and data fusion. Slingshot's platform combines data from the Slingshot Global Sensor Network, the Slingshot Seradata satellite and launch history database, satellite owner-operators, and other third-party space data providers to create a holistic and dynamic view of space for training, planning, and operations. This unified representation of space activities – past, present, and predicted – enhances operators' space situational awareness, improves operational efficiency, and reduces risk for space operators. Slingshot is driven by its mission to make space safe, sustainable, and secure. The company was launched in 2017 and has locations in Colorado and the UK.
Malaysian Reserve
2 days ago
- Science
- Malaysian Reserve
Boeing-Built X-37B Spaceplane Set for Eighth Mission
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Boeing [NYSE: BA]-built X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) is preparing to launch its eighth mission (OTV-8) from Florida's Space Coast, with liftoff scheduled no earlier than August 21. This milestone comes less than six months after the successful completion of OTV-7. 'With each successive flight, the X-37B has demonstrated adaptability and flexibility by hosting diverse experiments and pioneering new orbital regimes,' said Michelle Parker, vice president of Boeing Space Mission Systems. 'This mission continues that legacy by fielding cutting-edge technologies that advance our nation's space capability and improve the resilience of future architectures.' OTV-8 will fly with a service module, expanding capacity for experiments and opening new opportunities for mission partners, which include the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Defense Innovation Unit. The mission will host demonstrations of high-bandwidth inter-satellite laser communications technologies, as well as the highest performing quantum inertial sensor ever tested in space. The U.S. Space Force will leverage insights from this mission to inform future space architectures. 'OTV-8's laser communications demonstration will mark an important step in the U.S. Space Force's ability to leverage commercial space networks as part of proliferated, diversified, and redundant space architectures,' said U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations, Gen. Chance Saltzman. 'In so doing, it will strengthen the resilience, reliability, adaptability, and data transport speeds of our satellite communications architectures.' The revolutionary quantum inertial sensor will demonstrate precise positioning, navigation and timing in a GPS-denied environment. Quantum inertial sensors, useful for navigation in deep and cis-lunar space, promise to push the technological frontiers of long-distance space travel and exploration. 'OTV 8's quantum inertial sensor demonstration is a welcome step forward for the operational resilience of Guardians in space,' said Space Delta 9 Commander Colonel Ramsey Hom. 'Whether navigating beyond Earth-based orbits in cis-lunar space or operating in GPS-denied environments, quantum inertial sensing allows for robust navigation capabilities where GPS navigation is not possible. Ultimately, this technology contributes significantly to our thrust within the Fifth Space Operations Squadron and across the Space Force guaranteeing movement and maneuverability even in GPS-denied environments.' Boeing and Space Force teams are preparing the spaceplane for launch at Boeing's facility at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Since its inaugural launch in April 2010, the spaceplane has spent more than 4,200 days in space. A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity. Contact Zeyad MaasaraniBoeing Communications+ Boeing Media Relationsmedia@
Time of India
5 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
China's 2-watt satellite laser outperforms Starlink with 1 Gbps speed from 36,000 km — is this a breakthrough for communication or a warning shot in space warfare?
Chinese satellite laser communication has taken a big leap in space technology. A satellite from China sent data to Earth using just a 2-watt laser from 36,000 km in space, reaching speeds five times faster than Starlink. While rumors claimed it "pulverized" Starlink, the truth is there was no attack, only a record-breaking data test. Scientists used a smart system to beat Earth's atmosphere and send the signal clearly. The space race just got a powerful upgrade—not with rockets, but with light. A Chinese satellite, floating 36,000 kilometers above Earth, has stunned the world by using a 2-watt laser to send data at speeds five times faster than Starlink. No weapons, no destruction—just a major breakthrough in space-based communication. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads No Starlink satellites were harmed — debunking the viral headline How China achieved record-breaking satellite data speeds with just 2 watts? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Adaptive optics corrected distortions in the laser beam caused by atmospheric interference. Mode diversity reception captured and decoded the distorted signal using multiple overlapping modes to preserve data integrity. Comparing Chinese laser satellite performance to Starlink internet speeds Understanding the real military context of China's laser technologies What the U.S. space force says about rising threats in orbit? Kinetic ASAT weapons (missiles that can physically destroy satellites) (missiles that can physically destroy satellites) Electronic jammers (used to disrupt satellite signals) (used to disrupt satellite signals) Cyberattacks on space infrastructure on space infrastructure And now, directed-energy weapons, like high-powered lasers Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The bigger picture: New era of satellite communications and space warfare Key facts you need to know about the Chinese satellite laser test: Key Point Details Laser power 2 watts Satellite altitude 36,000 km (geostationary orbit) Achieved data speed 1 Gbps (gigabit per second) Technology used Adaptive Optics + Mode Diversity Reception (AO‑MDR) Damage caused None — no Starlink satellites were affected Compared to Starlink About 5× faster than typical Starlink speeds (radio-based) Potential for military use Yes — future use in directed-energy weapons is plausible U.S. Space Force response Warning issued on rising Chinese space weapon capabilities Fot a laser strike, but a laser leap FAQs: In July 2025, Chinese scientists accomplished a breakthrough in satellite communication, successfully transmitting data from a satellite using a 2-watt laser beam over a staggering distance of 36,000 kilometers—the height of geostationary orbit. The test, conducted by a team from Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, achieved a downlink speed of 1 Gbps, far surpassing typical speeds delivered by SpaceX's Starlink development sparked global headlines, with some sources falsely claiming China had 'pulverized' Starlink satellites. In truth, no Starlink satellite was targeted or damaged. The experiment was purely focused on next-generation optical communication, not an act of warfare or original story that went viral on social media platforms suggested that a Chinese satellite had fired a powerful laser and 'destroyed' or 'damaged' Starlink satellites. This claim is completely inaccurate. In reality, the laser used was non-destructive and designed for communication, not 2-watt laser beam, operating in the near-infrared spectrum, was aimed at a ground station to demonstrate the ability to transmit high-speed data through the Earth's atmosphere. The feat was especially impressive given the challenges posed by atmospheric turbulence, diffraction, and weak signal strength over such long Chinese research team overcame the limitations of traditional laser communications by using a combined system of adaptive optics (AO) and mode diversity reception (MDR). This system is referred to as AO-MDR synergy. Here's how it worked:Despite the beam being only 2 watts in power—less than what many home lightbulbs use—it achieved data speeds of 1 Gbps, about five times faster than Starlink's average satellite internet operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, uses thousands of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver internet service globally. While Starlink can reach download speeds ranging fromfor most users, the Chinese geostationary satellite reachedusing a fraction of the key difference lies in the communication method. Starlink primarily uses radio waves, while China's satellite used laser-based optical communication, which allows for higher bandwidth, less signal interference, and greater data integrity—especially over long this particular experiment was peaceful and scientific, it's important to note that China is also actively developing directed-energy weapons (DEWs), including high-powered lasers and microwave systems. These could eventually have anti-satellite (ASAT) military has proposed concepts such as submarine-launched laser platforms, which could stealthily target and disable satellites from under the ocean surface. These systems could use retractable masts equipped with high-energy lasers capable of blinding or damaging satellite sensors or communication to U.S. Space Force assessments, China is on track to field fully operational space-based or ground-based laser weapons by the late 2020s, raising concerns among Western defense analysts and Chance Saltzman, head of the U.S. Space Force, has repeatedly warned that China is developing a full suite of counterspace capabilities. These include:While the recent Chinese test was not part of any known military program, it does show that China's capabilities in satellite laser technology are progressing rapidly, and could eventually be repurposed for strategic or defense success of China's 2-watt laser satellite test signals a paradigm shift in space communication technology. If laser-based optical communications can be scaled and secured, they could dramatically reduce the need for massive low-Earth-orbit satellite constellations like Starlink, Amazon Kuiper, or the dual-use nature of this technology—meaning it can serve both civilian and military functions—raises alarms in global defense circles. While this test was a scientific milestone, it also highlights the increasingly blurred line between space innovation and space to misleading headlines, China did not fire a weapon at Starlink. The recent laser experiment was a landmark achievement in space-to-ground data transmission, proving that low-power lasers can outperform traditional communication satellites under the right this advancement also casts a spotlight on the rapid militarization of space, as countries race not just for faster data speeds—but also for dominance in now, it's a technological triumph. But in the near future, these capabilities could dramatically reshape both global communications and defense strategies in it only tested fast space communication—no damage was hit 1 Gbps, five times faster than Starlink.
Business Wire
22-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Space Force Vice Chief and White House's Alexei Bulazel Among Experts Speaking at 16
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, the Vice Chief of Space Operations, U.S. Space Force, and Alexei Bulazel, Special Assistant to the President and NSC Senior Director for Cyber, White House, are confirmed to speak at the 16th Annual Billington CyberSecurity Summit, being held September 9-12, 2025 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Both speakers will address topics related to the event's theme: Cyber and AI Frontiers: Strategies for a Secure and Smarter Government. Designed to address the nation's pressing cyber needs, the four-day event includes over 50 panel discussions, breakout sessions, and fireside chats that explore topics such as quantum computing, the Salt Typhoon attack, Zero Trust, and AI. Share 'Cyber threats are growing and evolving as technology does. Understanding our adversaries and the risks they pose is critical to protecting our nation and allies. We are pleased that General Guetlein and Mr. Bulazel will share their unique insights with summit attendees,' explained Thomas K. Billington, CEO and Founder, Billington CyberSecurity, a leading cyber education company for executives. Gen. Guetlein will speak at a fireside titled: The Intersection of Space and Cyber in which he will discuss the growing interconnectivity between cyber and space and how the U.S. Space Force is looking to protect it. Bulazel will lay out the Trump Administration's key cyber strategic objectives and highlight the Administration's policy implementation plans during a fireside entitled Cyber Priorities of the White House National Security Council. Designed to address the nation's pressing cyber needs, the four-day event includes over 50 panel discussions, breakout sessions, and fireside chats that explore topics such as quantum computing, the Salt Typhoon attack, legacy systems, cloud attack methodologies, advanced cyber hacker insights, and Zero Trust. These topics are part of this year's tracks which include: Application Security Artificial Intelligence Cloud Security Data Protection Foundational Security/Security by Design Identity Management Industrial Control Systems/Operational Technology/IOT Future of Cyber Threat/Cyber Threat Intelligence Risk Management and Compliance Security Operations Consulting Supply Chain Considerations Other summit headliners include: Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, DoD Leonel Garciga, Chief Information Officer, US Army Katherine 'Katie' Arrington, Performing the Duties of Chief Information Officer, DOD Richard Horne, CEO, National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), United Kingdom Rajiv Gupta, Head, Canadian Cyber Security Centre Lt. Gen. Paul T. Stanton, Commander of the Joint Force, Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network and Director, DISA (Invited Pending Agency Approva l) Lt. Gen. Michelle McGuinness, Australia's National Cyber Security Coordinator Jennifer Link, CISO, CIA James Kemp Jennings Roche, CISO, DoD Cyber Crime Center Adarryl Roberts, CIO, DLA Dr. Kelly Fletcher, CIO, Department of State (Invited Pending Agency Approval) Jane Rathbun, CIO, U.S. Department of the Navy Presented by a variety of sponsors, including Lead Underwriters: Amazon Web Services, CISCO, and Leidos, the summit will also include a host of receptions to help attendees meet and engage with other conference attendees and speakers and has over 150 cyber-focused vendor booths where attendees can see demos and learn about innovative technologies. Learn more or register at Attendee tickets for government and military are complimentary. Credentialed working media are free and encouraged to register in advance to cover the event at About Billington CyberSecurity Founded in 2010, Billington CyberSecurity is the leading cyber education company for executives, hosting high-caliber summits and workshops that explore key cyber issues that advance the cybersecurity of the U.S. government, its allied partners, and critical infrastructure. These events convene senior most government officials and industry partners, highlighted by its signature conference—the annual Billington CyberSecurity Summit held each fall—which attracts more than 3,500 attendees and 250 speakers.
