Breaking Defense is reporting that the U.S. Space Command's Joint Forces Development and Training team has developed the Space Warfighting Environment 2040 with a "warfighter-first" approach, focusing on future attacks on ground segments and cislunar operations. It said the new National Security Science & Technology Strategy prioritizes military technologies in undersea, outer space, and artificial intelligence, also noting quantum and biotech as longer-term areas.
Breaking Defense is also reporting that the Department of Defense is expanding research and development to clear expired satellites from orbit. It said these capabilities, while intended for obsolete satellites, could also be used in weapons to disable or destroy targets. The Space Force has awarded contracts to five companies to demonstrate how multiple satellite networks can connect to its emerging Space Data Network.
Separately, Breaking Defense is reporting that Japan launched its second U.S. military payload, QZS-7, to monitor space above the Indo-Pacific, with data feeding into the U.S. Space Surveillance Network. It also said the Congressional Budget Office was tasked with estimating the cost of President Donald J Trump's January 2025 executive order, not Department of Defense plans, and that the Pentagon rebuffed CBO requests for a "Golden Dome" briefing. The outlet's team is also analyzing three new White House directives, including President Trump's shipbuilding plans, that could influence the Navy's future.