Military forces have a long association with spaceflight, with modern rockets evolving from missiles developed during World War II. Today's armed forces rely on space-based assets for reconnaissance, weather tracking, communication, navigation and more. The U.S. Air Force regularly launches GPS and missile-defense tracking satellites, and operates two classified X-37B robotic space planes. Learn more about military satellites, space weapon, the Space Force and more here.
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Rocket Lab's 'Hungry Hippo' Neutron fairing arrives at spaceport in Virginia
The "hungry hippo" fairing for Rocket Lab's new Neutron launch vehicle has arrived for integration at the company's Virginia Spaceport facilities.
US Space Force awards 1st-of-its-kind $52 million contract to deorbit its satellites
"This contract reflects both the value of affordable servicing missions and the technical readiness of the Otter."
Rocket Lab launches final mission of 2025, sends Japanese Earth-observing satellite to orbit (video)
Rocket Lab launched its 21st and final mission of the year over the weekend, sending a private Japanese Earth-observing satellite to orbit.
Trump signs sweeping executive order aimed at 'ensuring American space superiority'
On Thursday (Dec. 18), President Donald Trump issued an executive order designed to ensure American space superiority. It calls for the initial construction of a moon base by 2030, among other goals.
Rocket Lab launches 4 experimental 'DiskSats' for the US military
Rocket Lab launched four "DiskSats" for the U.S. Space Force just after midnight on Thursday (Dec. 18), adding to the company's busy 2025.
Ghosts, sharks and Norse mythology: US Space Force unveils new names for satellites and space weapons
The U.S. Space Force unveiled the new naming scheme that it will use for its spacecraft and space-based weaponry, drawing inspiration from mythology and the natural world.
Rocket Lab's 'Hungry Hippo' passes final test ahead of 1st reusable Neutron rocket launch
Rocket Lab recently completed final qualification tests on the fairing that will crown its partially reusable Neutron, expected to fly for the first time early next year.
Rocket Lab launches hypersonic test flight for US military (photo)
Rocket Lab launched its HASTE suborbital vehicle for the sixth time ever on Tuesday (Nov. 18), sending several test payloads up for the U.S. military.
Colorado sues Trump administration over plans to relocate US Space Command to Alabama's 'Rocket City'
Colorado's attorney general is suing the Trump administration over the White House's plans to move the headquarters of U.S. Space Command from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Alabama.
New private 'Arc' spacecraft aims to deliver cargo from orbit to anywhere on Earth in less than an hour (video)
"We see a future where thousands of Arc spacecraft form a logistics network that provides transformative reach, resilience, and deterrence for the United States and its allies."
