The U.S. Air Force (USAF) plays a significant role in the space industry, historically serving as the Department of Defense's executive agent for space, and developing early military space programs and launch vehicles. Although the U.S. Space Force was established as an independent branch in 2019, the Air Force continues to contribute to space operations, including training personnel, research and development, and maintaining partnerships. The USAF's space-related activities encompass satellite operations, missile warning, communication support, and collaboration with allies to ensure regional stability. Key partners include the U.S. Space Force, other branches of the military, and international allies.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
The Space Rapid Capabilities Office was modeled after the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, which was established in 2003.
The Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office led development of the X-37B uncrewed reusable spaceplane and the B-21 long-range strike bomber.
The U.S. Space Force and the Department of the Air Force manage over 100 satellites that perform critical strategic missions.
The U.S. Space Force and the Department of the Air Force manage over 100 satellites that perform strategic missions.
The Department of the Air Force awarded Solstar Space a Phase I STTR contract to evaluate the Slayton Space Communicator for high-speed data communications.
Reliable Robotics announced a contract with the United States Air Force to explore the automation of large, multi-engine jets.
Col. Sean R. McClune of the United States Air Force supports the efforts of Reliable Robotics in developing their aircraft automation systems.
Mitchell Institute chair Kevin Chilton, a retired U.S. Air Force general, remarked that the higher atmosphere was previously not receiving much attention.
The contract with the United States Air Force furthers Reliable Robotics' focus on automation of large, multi-engine jet aircraft.
The hosted-payload arrangement for Pathfinder 2 was made in 2018 when the Air Force awarded network integrator Artel a $19,000,000 contract to embed the mission on Amazonas Nexus.
The U.S. Air Force previously launched a similar transponder, Pathfinder 1, on an SES commercial satellite under a $9,000,000 contract.
Orbital Sidekick has secured contracts to supply hyperspectral data to the United States Department of Defense through partnerships with In-Q-Tel, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Space Force.
Hydrosat won a $1,200,000 Air Force contract to investigate uses of thermal infrared data for national security applications on 2023-02-02.
On 2022-12-22, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and the Air National Guard, with joint support from the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force, flight tested an MQ-9A remotely piloted aircraft equipped with a Low Earth Orbit satellite communications Command and Control system.
The AFWERX organization of the U.S. Air Force awarded the contract to Hydrosat.
Orbital Sidekick has secured contracts to supply hyperspectral data to the United States Department of Defense through partnerships with In-Q-Tel, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Space Force.
The AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield completed a critical design review milestone with Lockheed Martin as a partner and the U.S. Air Force observing.
NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative is collaborating with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force to solicit applicants for a set of hands-on learning engagements for higher education institutions, faculty, and students.
The 2023 Summer Series enhances students’ potential to be selected for flights to space as part of NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative in November 2023 and for the full U.S. Air Force University Nanosatellite Program in 2024.
The Air Force plans to launch NTS-3 on the USSF-106 mission, which is projected to be the first national security launch by United Launch Alliance’s new Vulcan Centaur rocket.