Breaking Defense is reporting that the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is seeking a "near-term" demonstration for power-beaming satellites. It said the project aims for an operational capability for space-to-space and space-to-ground power beaming by 2030.
Breaking Defense also reported that Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess is likely to be confirmed as the next Space Force chief, with Sen. Angus King noting his non-controversial nature. On the eve of his retirement, US Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman championed the military's role as "ballast" for democracy, stating it is now "more the eggs in the cake batter" than "icing on the cake."
The Space Development Agency (SDA) has resumed its data relay satellite launch, with 21 Tranche 1 Transport Layer satellites set to launch Thursday on a SpaceX Falcon 9. Separately, Breaking Defense said the SDA awarded L3Harris and Sierra Space $1.75 billion for missile defense satellites. These satellites are for missile warning, tracking and targeting, developed under an accelerated schedule to meet the Pentagon’s 2028 plans for its Golden Dome missile defense shield.
Breaking Defense also noted that the Space Force faces growing pains as it plans to double its military members to 20,000 by 2030, a challenge the next chief will need to address.