Military Space - Spacecraft, Weapons and Tech

Vulcan Centaur rocket launches 'neighborhood watch' satellites for the US military (video)

By Mike Wall last updated 12 February 26

Liftoff of the USSF-87 mission occurred at 4:22 a.m. ET on Thursday (Feb. 12).

Rocket Lab's 'Hungry Hippo' Neutron fairing arrives at spaceport in Virginia

By Josh Dinner published 28 January 26

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

By Mike Wall published 21 January 26

"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)

By Mike Wall published 22 December 25

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'

By Mike Wall published 19 December 25

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

By Mike Wall last updated 18 December 25

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

By Brett Tingley published 15 December 25

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

By Josh Dinner published 10 December 25

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)

By Mike Wall published 19 November 25

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'

By Brett Tingley published 30 October 25

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.