Military Space - Spacecraft, Weapons and Tech

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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Launch Photos: Spy Satellite NROL-71 Soars on Secret Mission Atop Delta IV Heavy Rocket

January 19, 2019 | Image Album

On Jan. 19, 2019, a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket launched the clandestine NROL-71 spy satellite on a secret mission for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. See amazing photos of the launch here.
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US Launching Secret Spy Satellite Today! Here's How to Watch Live

January 19, 2019 | Article

The United States plans to launch a hush-hush spy satellite Saturday (Jan. 19), and you can watch the liftoff live.
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Steve Carell Is Launching a 'Space Force' Comedy Series on Netflix

January 18, 2019 | Article

It looks like we'll have a fictional Space Force before the real one gets off the ground.
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US to Launch Secret Spy Satellite Saturday

January 16, 2019 | Article

The NROL-71 spacecraft is scheduled to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base on Saturday (Jan. 19) at 2:05 p.m. EST (1905 GMT; 11:05 a.m. local California time).
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What's Next for Air Force Weather Satellites?

January 13, 2019 | Article

The U.S. military's highest priority weather satellite, a spacecraft requested by U.S. Strategic Command to observe clouds and theaters of operations, is on hold after NASA rescinded the contract award.
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Launch of New US Spy Satellite Delayed Again

January 08, 2019 | Article

The much-delayed launch of the new U.S. spy satellite NROL-71 has been postponed again due to an issue with its rocket, but it's unclear when exactly the mission may fly.
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New Pentagon Chief Shanahan Urges Focus on China 'Great Power Competition'

January 06, 2019 | Article

In his first national security meeting as acting defense secretary, Patrick Shanahan said DoD should stay focused on the national defense strategy and the strategic competition with China.
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Launch of New US Spy Satellite Delayed to Early 2019

December 29, 2018 | Article

The launch of an much-delayed U.S. spy satellite has been delayed again, this time to no earlier than Jan. 6, according to the United Launch Alliance.
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US Air Force Releasing More Data on Orbits of Military Satellites

December 24, 2018 | Article

As the Commerce Department works on plans to take over civilian space traffic management responsibilities, the U.S. Air Force is making more data available on the positions of military satellites.
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Pentagon Analyzing Possible Missions for a New Space Development Agency

December 24, 2018 | Article

DoD spokesman: "The intent is to ensure DoD leverages commercial space technology and accelerates the development and delivery of new capabilities."
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