Space Alert

The Air Force's top acquisition official is doubtful the government owns the intellectual property for the launch vehicle that has carried many of its satellites to space since 2006 -- the United Launch Alliance's Atlas V.

After three years of informal discussion and input, countries involved in developing an international code of conduct for space will meet in July for the first official negotiations, with the goal of producing a completed document by the end of the deliberations. 

Delays to the delivery of the first next-generation Global Positioning System satellite have, to date, cost prime contractor Lockheed Martin close to $160 million -- almost 25 percent of its potential fees and incentives.

The Air Force would shift satellites onto the SpaceX Falcon 9 and United Launch Alliance Delta IV rockets if Russia decides to halt delivery of the remaining order of RD-180 rocket engines for the Atlas V launch vehicle, even though that backup plan for maintaining assured access to space would be very expensive.

The Air Force's military deputy for acquisition said this week that the service's understanding of what it takes to operate and protect its assets in a changing space environment has evolved -- even in the past year -- to one that focuses less on disaggregation as the primary means for adaptation and more on a diversified, protected architecture.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO -- A recently delivered upgrade to the Air Force's Space-Based Infrared System will assure that all users receive the critical data and imagery being collected by the satellite's staring sensor by the end of this year, according to prime contractor Lockheed Martin.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO -- The Air Force recently announced a slight change of course in its plans to compete future Global Positioning System production that allows incumbent providers Lockheed Martin and Exelis to participate in early production readiness work. Lockheed's vice president of military space programs said this week that he is pleased with this development and what it means for future competition.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO -- As the Air Force works to refine its plan to develop and acquire next-generation rocket engine technology, some in industry are skeptical of the notion of a government-funded engine program.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO -- The United Launch Alliance revealed its Next-Generation Launch System, the Vulcan, on April 13, and President and CEO Tory Bruno told reporters certifying the first variant of the new rocket by 2020 is an aggressive time line but not outside the realm of possibility.