Breaking Defense is reporting that advanced space-based payloads from RTX's Raytheon are enhancing missile defense capabilities. It said these payloads provide faster detection, persistent tracking and global coverage to counter evolving threats. The Mitchell Institute said future American space security is at risk due to China's military-led human space flight progression. Kyle Puma, a senior resident fellow for space studies at the institute, stated that this positions the People's Liberation Army to gain a strategic advantage in lunar access, infrastructure and resources, necessitating "boots on the moon" for the U.S. A Department of the Air Force study found that a new space launch site is "probably" required. Lt. Gen. David Miller, Space Force deputy for Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements, said the service anticipates approximately 1,000 launches between fiscal years 2027 and 2031. The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites mission, a collaboration between DARPA and Northrop Grumman, is scheduled to fly this summer. Company officials said this mission will establish the first U.S. on-orbit servicing capability. Breaking Defense also reported that the Space Force named Sandhoo as the head of its new missile warning and tracking Program, Activities and Elements (PAE). As of May 11, Sandhoo also serves as the director of the Space Development Agency.
