Hermes - Center for European Studies’ Post

Russia warns of potential military action against SpaceX satellites, labeling them “legitimate targets” for intelligence efforts. This follows reports of SpaceX’s contract with a US intelligence agency to launch spy satellites. The move underscores SpaceX’s deepening ties with the US military and the Pentagon’s reliance on private sector partnerships for space dominance. Concerns mount over the consequences of space warfare, with warnings of catastrophic effects on global satellite networks. SpaceX’s role in geopolitical tensions, including in Ukraine, adds complexity to the situation. #russia #UnitedStates #RussiaUkraine #spacex #businessdor

The Space Development Agency is hoping to lean on the commercial space sector for ground equipment needed to operate its future tranches of missile warning and communications satellites. SDA is charged with deploying the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) — envisioned as a constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit that provide capabilities to U.S. military forces. The architecture represents a pivot at the Defense Department in its space strategy, which has historically relied on a few large, exquisite satellites stationed in high orbits to perform missions like GPS and satcom. https://lnkd.in/eZnHydDy

The Space Development Agency is hoping to lean on the commercial space sector for ground equipment needed to operate its future tranches of missile warning and communications satellites. SDA is charged with deploying the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) — envisioned as a constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit that provide capabilities to U.S. military forces. The architecture represents a pivot at the Defense Department in its space strategy, which has historically relied on a few large, exquisite satellites stationed in high orbits to perform missions like GPS and satcom. https://lnkd.in/ehsUtP33

🛰️ Innovative military space applications for European armed forces In close collaboration with EDA’s CapTech Space, the Agency’s Hub for #EU Defence Innovation (#HEDI) kicked off the second framework contract for the HEDI Proof of Concept. The contract paves the way for an innovative #satellite constellation project in Very Low Earth Orbit (#VLEO), specifically designed for military use. #EUdefence #EUspace #space #innovation #DefenceInnovation #SpaceTechnology

Iran's Sorayya satellite launch via the Qaem 100 rocket marks a significant stride in their space program, reaching an unprecedented 750km orbit. While this showcases Iran's growing aerospace capabilities, concerns about potential military applications linger, highlighting the dual-use nature of such tech. It's vital to ensure these advancements serve peaceful purposes amid regional tensions. What are your thoughts on the balance between innovation and security? Share your views below. #SpaceExploration #Iran #AerospaceTechnology #GlobalSecurity Original article: https://lnkd.in/evyNMW-M

🚀 Space is an increasingly #militarised domain, and armed forces are more and more relying on private companies for #space capabilities. In particular, SpaceX has become central by deploying #Starlink in #Ukraine and by providing several services to the US military. 🇪🇺 Concurrently, the #EU signed a contract with SpaceX to launch its Galileo satellites, and concluded a parallel security agreement with the US. However, as Matilde Sacchi explains, this arrangement might seriously undermine the EU’s strategic autonomy. ✏️ This paper was edited by Manfred Sintorn and supervised by Riccardo Angelo Grassi. 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/djfbTxp8

SpaceX recently launched six military satellites designed to track hypersonic missiles, marking a significant advancement in space defense capabilities. 🛰️ SpaceX launches 6 military satellites for tracking hypersonic missiles, advancing space defense capabilities. 🚀 Hypersonic missiles pose unique challenges due to their size and maneuverability, requiring innovative solutions for detection. 🔭 The Space Development Agency (SDA) leads the development of advanced satellite constellations for early warning and threat detection. 💡 Successful launch includes 4 tracking satellites for the SDA, completing Tranche 0 of the prototype constellation. 📡 SDA plans to launch an operational Tranche 1 constellation with 150 satellites to enhance missile tracking capabilities. 💥 Launch also carries 2 Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellites for the Missile Defense Agency. 🤝 Integration of SDA and MDA satellites enables coordinated efforts in tracking and monitoring missile activities. 🌐 Deployment of military satellites represents a significant advancement in space defense, safeguarding against emerging threats. #SpaceDefense #SpaceTechnology #HypersonicMissiles #SDA #MDA #SatelliteTechnology #SpaceX #Innovation #NationalSecurity

🚀 UK Launches Its First Earth-Imaging Military Satellite, "Tyche" 🌍 A momentous achievement in the UK's space and defense sectors! The UK has successfully launched its first military satellite, Tyche, marking a significant milestone in both Earth observation and national security. Tyche, designed and built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) under a £22 million contract, is poised to revolutionize how we monitor and respond to both global and military events. This washing machine-sized marvel will not only support British armed forces in their operations but will also play a crucial role in monitoring natural disasters, mapping development, and tracking the impact of climate change. Launched from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, Tyche is the first satellite fully owned by the Ministry of Defence under their space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance program. Key Highlights: 1. First Signals: Successfully received just hours after the launch, confirming Tyche's successful deployment. 2. Innovation and Growth: The satellite’s development has supported around 100 high-skilled jobs at SSTL since 2022, showcasing the UK's commitment to innovation in science and technology. 3. Strategic Importance: Tyche will provide essential intelligence for military operations and support broader governmental tasks, reinforcing the UK’s strategic capabilities in space. Maj Gen Paul Tedman, Commander of UK Space Command, celebrated this achievement, stating, "This is a fabulous day for UK space," and rightly so—Tyche is a testament to the UK's ability to rapidly bring cutting-edge concepts to life. Kudos to everyone involved in this landmark project! The successful launch of Tyche is a powerful reminder of what one can achieve when innovation, collaboration, and ambition align in Aerospace Satellite systems. #UKSpace #SatelliteLaunch #EarthImaging #SpaceInnovation #ClimateMonitoring #DefenseTechnology

The U.S. military's evolving thinking on refueling satellites Great insight and context from this week's SpaceNews Military Space Newsletter on in-space refueling for national assets. At Orbit Fab we believe the time is now to add maneuver to toolkit of our Nation's mission critical Geosynchronous Comms birds. https://lnkd.in/gEf-vCse

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has successfully launched its first dedicated satellite, Tyche, into space, marking a significant milestone for UK Space Command. Tyche, comparable in size to a washing machine and weighing 150 kilograms, is designed to capture high-resolution daytime images and videos of the Earth’s surface. Operating in Low Earth Orbit, the satellite will support military operations and broader government tasks, including natural disaster monitoring, environmental surveillance, and tracking the impact of climate change. This launch represents the first step in the UK MOD’s ambitious space-based ISR programme, which aims to deploy a constellation of satellites by 2031. The programme is intended to enhance the UK’s ability to gather critical intelligence and conduct surveillance operations in a rapidly evolving global security landscape. The satellite was developed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)under a GBP 22 million contract awarded by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S). The project has supported around 100 high-skilled jobs in the UK since 2022. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dVVHpfXi #UK #space #satellite #Tyche #ISR #SSTL #military #armedforces #spacecommand #technology #industry