Handing control of Italy’s military satellite communications to the U.S. tech tycoon has prompted sharp criticism in Italy from opposition politicians.

During a demo, York Space Systems and SpaceX connected two of their satellites via a laser communication link, proving a key technology for SDA.

The path to a larger Space Force budget isn’t clear — even as Trump, who oversaw the creation of the service, prepares to take office in the coming weeks.

The remaining ATLAS software is slated for delivery in the first quarter of 2025.

The Remote Modular Terminals, which disrupt adversary satellites by "yelling in their ear," as one official put it, are cleared for initial fielding,

House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said the service is not sized to meet increasing threats from China and Russia.

The effort, dubbed Rapid Response Trailblazer, was meant to demonstrate the ability to quickly plan and launch a mission in around six months.

The updated strategy, approved in November, focuses on SPACECOM’s core tasks and how commercial space capabilities fit within those areas.