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Space

AST SpaceMobile Nabs First Space Development Agency Award Under Europa Effort

By Cal Biesecker

Monday, February 23rd, 2026

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AST SpaceMobile Nabs First Space Development Agency Award Under Europa Effort

A Falcon 9 rocket lifts the first five AST SpaceMobile BlueBird satellites during a September 2024 launch. Photo: AST SpaceMobile

The Space Development Agency (SDA) on Monday said it has awarded a $30 million prototype contract to AST SpaceMobile, Inc. [ASTS], to demonstrate low-latency tactical satellite communications using the company’s commercial spacecraft. The Other Transaction Agreement is for Track 2 of the Europa program and the first overall for Europa. The demonstrations are slated to be completed by December 2027, SDA said. AST will leverage its BlueBird commercial satellite constellation for the series of resilient tactical satellite communications demonstrations between…

Army

Lawmakers Request DoD Briefing On Army’s Planned Cuts To Aviation Procurement

A bipartisan group of House lawmakers has sent a letter asking the Pentagon for a briefing on the potential industrial base impacts as a result of the Army’s planned cuts […]

Congress

CENTCOM Looking To Lessons Learned From Use Of LUCAS Drones

U.S Central Command (CENTCOM) is looking to lessons learned from its use of Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones by Phoenix-based SpektreWorks, according to CENTCOM head Adm. Brad Cooper. […]

Army

Hegseth Says DoD Open To Reviewing Army’s Planned Cuts To Legacy Helicopter Procurement

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told lawmakers the Pentagon is open to reviewing the Army’s planned procurement cuts to its legacy manned aviation fleet. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), ranking member […]

Congress

Appropriators Press For Details On Iran War Costs; DoD’s $29B Estimate Doesn’t Include Base Damage

The Pentagon estimates the U.S.’ ongoing conflict with Iran has now cost at least $29 billion, while a lead official noted the updated figure does not factor in damage to […]