John Stillion


Recent stories by John Stillion

Tournear Reinstated as SDA Director After Investigation

Derek M. Tournear, the director of the trailblazing Space Development Agency who was put on administrative leave in January amid an investigation into a disputed contract, will return to his duties April 17, the Department of the Air Force announced. 

USSF Brings Acquisition Reforms to New Nuclear Command and Control Program

Some of the Space Force’s biggest acquisition reforms have made their way into the service’s new nuclear command, control, and communications satellite program, the officer in charge of the effort said April 8. Evolved Strategic SATCOM is one of the biggest pieces of the Space ...

New International Partnership Strategy ‘Touches Every Part’ of Space Force

The Space Force is looking at common standards, interoperable systems, robust data sharing, bigger exercises, and more with allies as part of its soon-to-be-released International Partnerships Strategy, leaders said April 8 at the Space Symposium, pledging that it "touches every single part” of the service. 

Space Force Satellite Refueling Demos Coming in 2026 and 2028

The Space Force will have one of its satellites refueled for the first time ever next summer, potentially the first step toward a future where satellites can maneuver like aircraft in the sky or ships on the sea to dodge threats and hold adversaries at ...

How to Win a War in Space: SPACECOM’s 5 Keys

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—U.S. Space Command has defined five factors it believes will be key to victory should it ever need to fight a full-fledged war in space, Gen. Stephen N. Whiting said April 8 at the Space Symposium.  The factors,...

Space Force Awards Up to $13.7 Billion in Launch Contracts

The Space Force awarded three contracts for rocket launches worth up to a combined $13.68 billion on April 4—and the usual players SpaceX and United Launch Alliance have got some competition in the form of newcomer Blue Origin. 

Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again

The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn ...

AWACS Enters the Homestretch

As USAF awaits the E-7, Airmen keep the E-3 flying. TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. Observers have called the plane aging, old, even geriatric. A few have described its current state as being in “hospice care,” as they look forward...

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