Northrop to invest $2.5B to hasten B-21 production
Northrop Grumman will invest $2.5 billion to accelerate B-21 Raider production, with $200 million allocated for this year. The Air Force and Northrop finalized a deal in February to increase production by 25%. Northrop estimates $1.85 billion in capital expenditures this year, aiming for 100 B-21s, potentially increasing to 145. First delivery is set for 2027.
US Air Force wants better infrared jammers for its combat rescue helicopters
U.S. Air Force seeks improved infrared countermeasures for the HH-60W Jolly Green II, following a recent rescue mission where the helicopter sustained damage. The Air Force aims to integrate CIRCM and DAIRCM systems to enhance survivability against infrared-guided missiles. Contractors must demonstrate expertise in the HH-60W's architecture and ensure no performance degradation occurs during integration.
Space Force weighs Vulcan flights without solid boosters
U.S. Space Force is evaluating the potential for Vulcan flights without solid rocket boosters under investigation, according to Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant. This adjustment could allow lower-energy missions to proceed while SpaceX handles critical national security launches. The situation impacts future National Security Space Launch contracts, emphasizing the need for a third launch provider amid current supply constraints.
Final ground testing begins of Katalyst’s Swift rescue spacecraft
Katalyst has initiated final ground testing of its LINK spacecraft, designed for the Gehrels-Swift rescue mission, at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Following a contract awarded by NASA, LINK will undergo vibration and thermal tests before being integrated into Northrop Grumman's Pegasus rocket for a potential launch later this year to prevent the telescope's orbital decay.
Northrop Grumman’s Talon IQ testbed hot-swaps AI brains mid-flight
Northrop Grumman's Talon IQ initiative successfully demonstrated mid-flight AI control swapping using a modified Scaled Composites Vanguard Model 437. Recent tests involved Shield AI, Accelint, and Applied Intuition, showcasing seamless transitions between AIs for mission-specific tasks. This modular architecture allows rapid software integration, enhancing operational flexibility while retaining a human pilot for safety during testing.
NASA Launches Six CubeSats to International Space Station
NASA launched six CubeSats to the International Space Station on April 11, 2026, as part of the Northrop Grumman Commercial Resupply Services 24 mission. The approximately 11,000 pounds of cargo included CubeSats from U.S. educational institutions and non-profits, such as Coconut, HUCSat, LEOPARDSat-1, and three PROVES CubeSats, which will deploy to conduct experiments.
Falcon 9 launches Cygnus cargo spacecraft to the ISS
Falcon 9 launched the NG-24 Cygnus XL spacecraft on April 11, deploying it into low Earth orbit for Northrop Grumman's ISS resupply mission. The spacecraft, carrying 5,000 kg of cargo, is scheduled to arrive at the ISS on April 13. This mission continues Northrop's reliance on Falcon 9 following the retirement of its Antares 230+ rocket.
Falcon 9 launches CRS NG-24 cargo ship to ISS
Falcon 9 successfully launched the CRS NG-24 cargo ship to the ISS, continuing its role in resupply missions. This launch follows the conclusion of Northrop Grumman's Cygnus S.S. William McCool's CRS NG-23 mission. The ongoing partnership between NASA and Northrop Grumman enhances ISS operations and logistics, ensuring a steady flow of supplies and experiments to the orbiting laboratory.
Castelion is raising a $350M Series B to scale hypersonic missile business
Castelion is raising a $350 million Series B led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Altimeter Capital to scale its hypersonic missile business. This follows a $100 million Series A round. The company aims to deliver low-cost hypersonic missiles, competing against established defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, with a prototype expected in early 2026.