U.S. Space Force
agencyBranch of the US Armed Forces responsible for national-security space.
Events · 3
- policy2026-04-15Space Force launches Cislunar Coordination Office
- policySpace Force's Objective Force plan outlines future vision through 2040
- contractNine firms awarded contracts for AMTI satellite constellation
People · 5
Articles · 23
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Two launches by SpaceX
SpaceX completed two launches on April 20 and 21, 2026. The first launch deployed 25 Starlink satellites using Falcon 9, marking its first stage's 8th flight. The second launch delivered a GPS satellite for the Space Force, with the first stage completing its 7th flight. This shift from ULA to SpaceX marked the fastest contract-to-launch timeline for the Space Force.

Meink: Space Force Programs Ready to Execute Once FY27 Budget Lands
Troy Meink announced that multiple Space Force programs, including the Space Air Moving Target Indicator (AMTI), are poised for execution pending the FY27 budget approval. The acquisition structure will adopt a program acquisition executive model, enhancing efficiency. Initial task orders for AMTI are expected soon, with a focus on affordability and rapid development through sustained competition.

With eyes on future NASA moon base, Space Force launches cislunar acquisition task force
Space Force is establishing a new Cislunar Coordination Office to support NASA's planned lunar base, as announced by Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy. This initiative follows President Trump's Executive Order aimed at creating a permanent lunar outpost by 2030. The office will be led by Jamie Stearns, focusing on technology acquisition and collaboration with industry and government entities.

Space Force sets up ‘cislunar coordination’ office to focus beyond Earth orbit
U.S. Space Force is establishing a cislunar coordination office to enhance acquisition efforts for operations beyond Earth orbit. Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy emphasized the need for integrating cislunar capabilities, reflecting the executive order from December 2025. Jaime Stearns will lead the office, focusing on collaboration with NASA and other agencies to ensure national security in cislunar space.

Space Force’s 15-year vision calls for more personnel, simulators and survivability
Space Force's new Objective Force plan outlines a vision through 2040, requiring significant manpower and expertise to enhance Space Control forces. Personnel will grow by 30%, and the satellite count is projected to increase from 12,000 to 60,000. The plan emphasizes a competitive marketplace for launch providers and advanced capabilities in offensive and defensive space warfare.

Space Force looks to personnel growth to boost integrated testing approach
U.S. Space Force officials are prioritizing workforce growth to enhance integrated testing processes, as outlined in the $70.1 billion fiscal year 2027 budget proposal. This funding aims to streamline testing by merging developmental and operational silos. Leaders anticipate doubling personnel in the next five to ten years to support this cultural shift and improve acquisition collaboration.

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.

Watch SpaceX launch advanced GPS satellite for US Space Force early on April 20
SpaceX's Falcon 9 is set to launch the GPS III SV10 satellite for the U.S. Space Force on April 20, 2026, at 2:57 a.m. EDT. This mission marks the final satellite in the GPS III series, enhancing positional accuracy and jam resistance. The Falcon 9's first stage will return to Earth, marking its seventh flight.

9 firms win orbital AMTI deals, Space Force says
US Space Force awarded nine firms contracts for a satellite constellation capable of airborne moving target indication (AMTI). The contracts, issued as competitive Other Transaction Agreements, aim to enhance tracking capabilities for aircraft from orbit. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink emphasized the system's potential superiority, with a $7 billion budget request for space-based AMTI systems in fiscal 2027.

Space Symposium 2026 – “Wherever American Interest Goes, Space Force Will Be There”
At Space Symposium 2026, Laura Todd and Torsten Kriening concluded a dynamic second day filled with open discussions and evolving narratives within the space sector. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation as key themes, emphasizing that wherever American interests extend, the U.S. Space Force will be present to support and protect those interests.