Hyperspectral sensors can “see” what materials a surface is made of and identify individual elements in the surrounding atmosphere. For national security purposes, hyperspectral imagery could for example detect evidence of chemical weapon production and/or use.
"And as weird as that sounds, you know, from an industry guy, I absolutely need regulation and enforcement," said Tory Bruno, CEO of rocket maker ULA. "Because one bad actor can ruin that entire common environment for all of us."
While DoD interested in the potential of satellite-to-wireless, government, military and industry officials speaking at Satellite 2023 recognized there also are a number of challenges for military operators.
The new policy does not change the restrictions for exports of rockets or drones designated by the MTCR as Category 1 systems.
Robert Lightfoot, executive VP of Lockheed Martin Space, explained that the Ignite team pulls together four previously separate organizations to undertake fast-paced technology development.
A DARPA official couldn't confirm an exact launch date for the two Telesat birds, but explained in an email today that the agency is awaiting on a launch slot as well as the availability of an integration facility.
The service is seeking the funds to “validate” modern tactics against a realistic peer adversary. Officials still “have a lot of studies to do to make sure we’re building the right kind of ranges and the right kind of simulators, and we’re learning as we go a little bit,” said CSO Gen. Chance Saltzman.
The two satellites under development will eventually "provide precise, timely sensor coverage over the northern hemisphere to help deter and defend against ballistic and hypersonic missiles," the company said.
STRATCOM's Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Center is focused primarily on repelling threats from Russia and China, but DoD also faces a potentially crippling spectrum grab by US commercial 5G wireless giants.