@vsamsondc.bsky.social
Hates the humidity, loves cats. Works on space policy for @swfoundation.bsky.social, but opinions are mine, not my organization's. She/her
Pinned
1/ Today SWF is releasing the 2025 version of our Global Counterspace Capabilities report, which tracks R&D, testing, & deployment of counterspace capabilities, edited by @VSamson_DC with editorial support by Laetitia Cesari.
swfound.org/counterspace/
swfound.org/counterspace/
It's out!! This monster has doubled in size from when we first started it in 2018; little did we know what we were getting ourselves into. Check out the 2025 edition 👇
Missed this story from September: (for endo-atmos SBI) "There is no prize money listed for the final intercept test, which requires competitors to “kinetically negate a Government-provided and launched test target by June 2029.”"
breakingdefense.com/2025/09/excl...
breakingdefense.com/2025/09/excl...
EXCLUSIVE: DoD envisions prize competition for boost-phase SBI prototypes - Breaking Defense
The plan faces some skepticism from industry, citing massive investment requirement for potentially relatively little.
breakingdefense.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Missed this story from September: (for endo-atmos SBI) "There is no prize money listed for the final intercept test, which requires competitors to “kinetically negate a Government-provided and launched test target by June 2029.”"
breakingdefense.com/2025/09/excl...
breakingdefense.com/2025/09/excl...
🤨"'The names of the contractors are currently not releasable as they are protected by enhanced security measures,' the spokesperson added, explaining that due to the nature of the contracts they do not need to be publicly recorded."
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/gold...
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/gold...
Golden Dome: Space Force awards first space-based interceptor prototype contracts - Breaking Defense
The Space Force did not identify the winners, saying their names are "protected by enhanced security measures."
breakingdefense.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:25 AM
🤨"'The names of the contractors are currently not releasable as they are protected by enhanced security measures,' the spokesperson added, explaining that due to the nature of the contracts they do not need to be publicly recorded."
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/gold...
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/gold...
"In 2009, testing of the A-60 1A2 was resumed. In the same year, the aircraft aimed its laser at the Japanese AJISAI satellite at 1,500 km altitude, and the reflected beam was detected."
en.defence-ua.com/news/ukraini...
en.defence-ua.com/news/ukraini...
Ukrainian Forces Destroyed russian A-60 Aircraft Equipped with a Laser Capable of Shooting Down Satellites | Defense Express
At night, Ukrainian forces struck a machine-building factory in Taganrog, destroying a unique russian A-60 1A2 aircraft armed with a laser designed to destroy aircraft and satellites
en.defence-ua.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:21 AM
"In 2009, testing of the A-60 1A2 was resumed. In the same year, the aircraft aimed its laser at the Japanese AJISAI satellite at 1,500 km altitude, and the reflected beam was detected."
en.defence-ua.com/news/ukraini...
en.defence-ua.com/news/ukraini...
Reposted
50 years ago today, the New York Times reported that the US Army planned to deactivate the Safeguard antiballistic missile system in North Dakota less than two months after it was declared fully operational, vindicating scientific and congressional critics who had warned it would never be effective.
November 25, 2025 at 2:06 PM
50 years ago today, the New York Times reported that the US Army planned to deactivate the Safeguard antiballistic missile system in North Dakota less than two months after it was declared fully operational, vindicating scientific and congressional critics who had warned it would never be effective.
Today I'm going to be on a plane for 21 hours (6 hours down, 15 to go) and I promise you, there is no amount of money that would convince me to wear anything but the softest pants
Sean Duffy: "Dressing with respect -- whether it's a pair of jeans and a decent shirt, I would encourage people to maybe dress a little better which encourages us to maybe behave a little better. Let's try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport."
November 24, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Today I'm going to be on a plane for 21 hours (6 hours down, 15 to go) and I promise you, there is no amount of money that would convince me to wear anything but the softest pants
This is the first time I've heard this: US is looking for *4* versions of the SBI: two for boost-phase, one for midcourse, and one for hypersonic missiles
www.reuters.com/business/aer...
www.reuters.com/business/aer...
www.reuters.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:23 PM
This is the first time I've heard this: US is looking for *4* versions of the SBI: two for boost-phase, one for midcourse, and one for hypersonic missiles
www.reuters.com/business/aer...
www.reuters.com/business/aer...
US Space Force 15-Year Plan to Come Out by Early 2026, Saltzman Says - Via Satellite
www.satellitetoday.com/government-m...
www.satellitetoday.com/government-m...
US Space Force 15-Year Plan to Come Out by Early 2026, Saltzman Says
The U.S. Space Force is looking to publish its 15-year plan between now and early next year, according to Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman.
www.satellitetoday.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:10 PM
US Space Force 15-Year Plan to Come Out by Early 2026, Saltzman Says - Via Satellite
www.satellitetoday.com/government-m...
www.satellitetoday.com/government-m...
America risks losing its role as a space science pioneer www.sciencenews.org/article/amer...
America risks losing its role as a space science pioneer
Funding uncertainties are pushing U.S. space scientists out of the field and putting existing and future space missions on the chopping block.
www.sciencenews.org
November 23, 2025 at 5:08 PM
America risks losing its role as a space science pioneer www.sciencenews.org/article/amer...
My guess is that BPI is too much of a tech PITA
"Other than stating that the call is for hit-to-kill rather than directed-energy systems for shooting down adversary missiles during their orbital flight trajectory, the notice is lacking technical detail"
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/spac...
"Other than stating that the call is for hit-to-kill rather than directed-energy systems for shooting down adversary missiles during their orbital flight trajectory, the notice is lacking technical detail"
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/spac...
Space Force to solicit prototype proposals for midcourse space-based missile interceptors - Breaking Defense
Other than stating that the call is for hit-to-kill rather than directed-energy systems for shooting down adversary missiles during their orbital flight trajectory, the notice is lacking technical det...
breakingdefense.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:06 PM
My guess is that BPI is too much of a tech PITA
"Other than stating that the call is for hit-to-kill rather than directed-energy systems for shooting down adversary missiles during their orbital flight trajectory, the notice is lacking technical detail"
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/spac...
"Other than stating that the call is for hit-to-kill rather than directed-energy systems for shooting down adversary missiles during their orbital flight trajectory, the notice is lacking technical detail"
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/spac...
Reposted
Our November Newsletter is out!
Highlights:
🌎 8th Summit for Space Sustainability in Brazil
🛰️ Handbook for New Actors launched at APRSAF
🌐 Global engagements on space law, security & policy
Read more: bit.ly/4rfdHMf
#SWF#SpaceSustainability #SpacePolicy #SpaceSecurity
Highlights:
🌎 8th Summit for Space Sustainability in Brazil
🛰️ Handbook for New Actors launched at APRSAF
🌐 Global engagements on space law, security & policy
Read more: bit.ly/4rfdHMf
#SWF#SpaceSustainability #SpacePolicy #SpaceSecurity
November 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Our November Newsletter is out!
Highlights:
🌎 8th Summit for Space Sustainability in Brazil
🛰️ Handbook for New Actors launched at APRSAF
🌐 Global engagements on space law, security & policy
Read more: bit.ly/4rfdHMf
#SWF#SpaceSustainability #SpacePolicy #SpaceSecurity
Highlights:
🌎 8th Summit for Space Sustainability in Brazil
🛰️ Handbook for New Actors launched at APRSAF
🌐 Global engagements on space law, security & policy
Read more: bit.ly/4rfdHMf
#SWF#SpaceSustainability #SpacePolicy #SpaceSecurity
What exactly is an active defense against nuclear explosions in space?
payloadspace.com/germany-outl...
payloadspace.com/germany-outl...
Germany Outlines its Defensive Space Plans
Germany shared its strategy to maintain security in space—including how it plans to invest in space-based defense projects over five years.
payloadspace.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:31 PM
What exactly is an active defense against nuclear explosions in space?
payloadspace.com/germany-outl...
payloadspace.com/germany-outl...
"the department is poised to brief members of the House Armed Services Committee this week to talk details in a classified setting. After publication, a House source said that the briefing could happen as soon as today."
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/gold...
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/gold...
Golden Dome implementation plan under review, Congress may get look this week - Breaking Defense
“I predict that what you're going to see is something that is far more… limited, both in terms of the number of threats that are feasibly able to be stopped, and also in terms of the area that [can be...
breakingdefense.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:39 PM
"the department is poised to brief members of the House Armed Services Committee this week to talk details in a classified setting. After publication, a House source said that the briefing could happen as soon as today."
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/gold...
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/gold...
"Far Eastern Energy Company (FEEC) has restricted electricity supplies to the Vostochny Cosmodrome's second-stage construction site... The reason is the project's general contractor, PSO Kazan LLC, owing over 51 million rubles in unpaid electricity bills"
www.moscowtimes.ru/2025/11/05/n...
www.moscowtimes.ru/2025/11/05/n...
На космодроме Восточный отключили электричество из-за долгов - Русская служба The Moscow Times
www.moscowtimes.ru
November 19, 2025 at 4:58 PM
"Far Eastern Energy Company (FEEC) has restricted electricity supplies to the Vostochny Cosmodrome's second-stage construction site... The reason is the project's general contractor, PSO Kazan LLC, owing over 51 million rubles in unpaid electricity bills"
www.moscowtimes.ru/2025/11/05/n...
www.moscowtimes.ru/2025/11/05/n...
France has released a space strategy, which defines "priorities for ensuring autonomous and sustainable access to space...guaranteeing the resilience of our military capabilities...and promoting responsible international cooperation" www.sgdsn.gouv.fr/publications...
Stratégie nationale spatiale 2025-2040 | SGDSN
A l’occasion de l’inauguration du centre toulousain du Commandement de l’Espace (CDE) le 12 novembre, est publiée la nouvelle stratégie nationale spatiale.
www.sgdsn.gouv.fr
November 19, 2025 at 4:50 PM
France has released a space strategy, which defines "priorities for ensuring autonomous and sustainable access to space...guaranteeing the resilience of our military capabilities...and promoting responsible international cooperation" www.sgdsn.gouv.fr/publications...
Germany has finally released its space sec strategy, which has three areas of action: identify dangers and threats; promote norms and principles for responsible conduct; & "addressing threats and challenges in space by developing its own capabilities."
www.bmvg.de/de/aktuelles...
www.bmvg.de/de/aktuelles...
Verantwortung im All: Erste Weltraumsicherheitsstrategie der Bundesregierung
Freiheit und Sicherheit werden auch im Weltraum verteidigt. Pistorius und Wadephul stellen Weltraumsicherheitsstrategie vor.
www.bmvg.de
November 19, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Germany has finally released its space sec strategy, which has three areas of action: identify dangers and threats; promote norms and principles for responsible conduct; & "addressing threats and challenges in space by developing its own capabilities."
www.bmvg.de/de/aktuelles...
www.bmvg.de/de/aktuelles...
Huh, I was in Türkiye literally last week to discuss space issues and it never came up that they'd created a Space Command
www.dailysabah.com/opinion/op-e...
www.dailysabah.com/opinion/op-e...
Türkiye's Space Command: Charting national path for space defense | Opinion
The country's Space Command boosts tech industry, military power and international influence
www.dailysabah.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Huh, I was in Türkiye literally last week to discuss space issues and it never came up that they'd created a Space Command
www.dailysabah.com/opinion/op-e...
www.dailysabah.com/opinion/op-e...
Reposted
SWF’s @vsamsondc.bsky.social will speak at the ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on Peace and Security in Outer Space, Nov 26–28 in Manila. She’ll join the panel “Threats to Space Systems: Risks to Stability and Sustainability.”
#SWF #SpaceSecurity #SpaceStability #SpaceSustainability
#SWF #SpaceSecurity #SpaceStability #SpaceSustainability
November 18, 2025 at 7:42 PM
SWF’s @vsamsondc.bsky.social will speak at the ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on Peace and Security in Outer Space, Nov 26–28 in Manila. She’ll join the panel “Threats to Space Systems: Risks to Stability and Sustainability.”
#SWF #SpaceSecurity #SpaceStability #SpaceSustainability
#SWF #SpaceSecurity #SpaceStability #SpaceSustainability
I think that the Wolf amendment should be modified to allow for coordination for spaceflight safety but I think that Jacqueline is right here: "This debate may be happening in a think-tank setting, but there’s no evidence it’s happening on Capitol Hill." payloadspace.com/a-debate-on-...
A Debate on the Wolf Amendment
Necessary national security safeguard, or out-of-touch barrier to communication with a leading space power? That was the question at the heart of a debate last week on whether the Wolf Amendment is st...
payloadspace.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:44 PM
I think that the Wolf amendment should be modified to allow for coordination for spaceflight safety but I think that Jacqueline is right here: "This debate may be happening in a think-tank setting, but there’s no evidence it’s happening on Capitol Hill." payloadspace.com/a-debate-on-...
INTRIGUING: India is reportedly working on a milspace doctrine that will be released in "two or three months," as well as a national military space strategy
www.msn.com/en-in/news/o...
www.msn.com/en-in/news/o...
MSN
www.msn.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:47 PM
INTRIGUING: India is reportedly working on a milspace doctrine that will be released in "two or three months," as well as a national military space strategy
www.msn.com/en-in/news/o...
www.msn.com/en-in/news/o...
"All three taikonauts wear pressurized suits during their descent to Earth, ensuring their safety...While a depressurization would degrade or ruin most experiments returning with the crew, they would remain safe."
www.china-in-space.com/p/replacemen...
www.china-in-space.com/p/replacemen...
Replacement Shenzhou-22 Spacecraft to Launch in a Week
To maintain Tiangong's scientific value, a new spacecraft will be sent up uncrewed.
www.china-in-space.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:42 PM
"All three taikonauts wear pressurized suits during their descent to Earth, ensuring their safety...While a depressurization would degrade or ruin most experiments returning with the crew, they would remain safe."
www.china-in-space.com/p/replacemen...
www.china-in-space.com/p/replacemen...
"The commission notes that Washington spent years avoiding the development of offensive space systems to sidestep accusations of weaponizing orbit." Wrong:
@swfoundation.bsky.social's annual report has 50+ pp detailing US counterspace efforts dating back to the 50s
spacenews.com/chinas-space...
@swfoundation.bsky.social's annual report has 50+ pp detailing US counterspace efforts dating back to the 50s
spacenews.com/chinas-space...
China’s space ambitions hit a new gear
China’s space ambitions hit a new gear China’s space ambitions hit a new gear
spacenews.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:34 PM
"The commission notes that Washington spent years avoiding the development of offensive space systems to sidestep accusations of weaponizing orbit." Wrong:
@swfoundation.bsky.social's annual report has 50+ pp detailing US counterspace efforts dating back to the 50s
spacenews.com/chinas-space...
@swfoundation.bsky.social's annual report has 50+ pp detailing US counterspace efforts dating back to the 50s
spacenews.com/chinas-space...
Macron: "we will deploy our first patrol satellites … starting in 2027 to monitor, inspect, and, if necessary, counter threats in orbit. These will be complemented by our first space-based action capabilities based on lasers and jammers" breakingdefense.com/2025/11/fran...
France announces almost $5B in new military space funding - Breaking Defense
Increased focus on defense is one of five pillars in a new French national space strategy announced by President Emmanuel Macron today.
breakingdefense.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Macron: "we will deploy our first patrol satellites … starting in 2027 to monitor, inspect, and, if necessary, counter threats in orbit. These will be complemented by our first space-based action capabilities based on lasers and jammers" breakingdefense.com/2025/11/fran...
This is putting it mildly: "Creating this nationwide shield will require overcoming a number of engineering and technical obstacles, as well as the potential response from Russia and China to what they may view as destabilizing technology."
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/gold...
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/gold...
Golden Dome faces challenges of size, scope and scale from every angle - Breaking Defense
Defending a country the size of the US from attacks such as hypersonics and drones creates major challenges.
breakingdefense.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:57 PM
This is putting it mildly: "Creating this nationwide shield will require overcoming a number of engineering and technical obstacles, as well as the potential response from Russia and China to what they may view as destabilizing technology."
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/gold...
breakingdefense.com/2025/11/gold...