Space Domain | The Runway

Global Presence: Space enables global military operations through satellite communications, providing real-time data exchange and coordination across vast distances.
Surveillance and Reconnaissance: Military satellites are crucial for surveillance and reconnaissance, offering high-resolution imagery and signals intelligence to monitor potential threats and gather strategic information.
Navigation and Timing: The Global Positioning System (GPS) and similar satellite navigation systems are essential for precision in military movements, targeting, and coordination of forces globally.
Space as a Strategic Domain: Recognising space as a critical domain for national security, many countries are establishing space commands or forces to protect their interests and assets in space.
Anti-Satellite Capabilities: The development and testing of anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons by various nations pose risks to space assets, leading to concerns about space becoming an arena for warfare.
International Collaboration and Regulation: There's an increasing emphasis on international collaboration and legal frameworks to ensure space remains a safe and sustainable environment for both civilian and military activities.

Air & Space Power

It Is Time for Military Space, Study Says

The United States must develop military human spaceflight capabilities to counter China’s expanding militarised space programme, which integrates continuous orbital presence, lunar ambitions, and civil–military operations that may threaten U.S. space superiority.

Air & Space Power

Every country should understand space as a warfighting domain

Space now holds strategic importance comparable with air power, and a warfighting designation supports clearer capability development processes. Australia and NATO still describe space operationally rather than combatively. Author argues strategic language should reflect reality.

Air & Space Power

US–Australia space alliance deepens as new radar capability brought online early

Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability is ahead of schedule under a United States, Australia and United Kingdom partnership to enhance continuous tracking, detection and characterisation of objects in geosynchronous and deep space orbits.

Technology & Innovation

NASA’s Curiosity Rover Discovers ‘Origin-of-Life’ Molecules Never Before Seen on Mars

NASA’s Curiosity rover has detected diverse organic molecules on Mars, including potential life precursors, strengthening evidence of past habitable conditions while highlighting the need for further analysis to confirm any biological origins.

Air & Space Power

BAE completes preliminary design review on US Space Force missile warning satellite system

The program is a major milestone in the development of a new missile warning and tracking satellite system, and will provide the next generation of space-based missile detection capable of identifying and tracking advanced threats.

Air & Space Power

Nova Systems commits to Australia's first International Space Station mission

Nova’s support for Australia’s ISS mission strengthens space capability, with experience in systems integration, microgravity testing, and mission support that could contribute to future air power, defence technology, and military operations.

Air & Space Power

Australia conducts first sovereign satellite rendezvous manoeuvre in major leap for space security

Australia has completed its first propelled satellite rendezvous mission, with HEO and UNSW Canberra demonstrating sovereign proximity‑operations capability, advancing national space security, surveillance, and on‑orbit operational skills through the Continuum‑1 testbed mission.

Technology & Innovation

Bonkers New Space Station Expands to Full Size From Single Capsule

Inflatable space habitats promise far more usable space from a single launch—reshaping how complex systems scale, adapt, and endure under constraint as legacy platforms retire and commercial actors take the lead.

Technology & Innovation

5 incredible aerospace breakthroughs in 2025

Aerospace innovation surged in 2025. New sensors, materials, propulsion, and space missions reshaped how humans observe, travel, and operate above Earth—improving efficiency, speed, and access while accelerating the shift toward commercial and cooperative exploration.

Technology & Innovation

Wireless power grids head to the moon

Private teams are trialling wireless power on the moon to overcome long nights and extreme cold—early steps toward reliable off-world energy networks that could enable longer missions, shared infrastructure, and sustained human presence.

Technology & Innovation

China’s new navigation edge

China is moving beyond satellite navigation. It is testing biological and magnetic alternatives. Western systems still rely on satellites. This gap weakens crisis stability, erodes advantage, and could shape outcomes if signal denial becomes routine.

Air & Space Power

AMTI ASAP: Space Force readying multi-source acquisition for satellites to track aircraft

The US Space Force and NRO plan a competitive, multi-award strategy to develop and field satellites that can track aircraft and drones, while balancing long-term goals and addressing congressional concerns over E-7 Wedgetail program continuation.

Air & Space Power

China remains No. 1 threat in space: Space Force general

A U.S. Space Force general warns China remains the top space threat, rapidly expanding ISR and counter-space capabilities to build a global “kill chain” targeting U.S. and allied forces from orbit.

Air & Space Power

Why NASA Picked An Air Force Pilot To Command Its Mars Simulation Mission

NASA selected U.S. Air Force test pilot Major Ross Elder to command its year-long Mars simulation mission, CHAPEA, valuing his engineering expertise, combat-tested decision-making, and leadership under pressure to prepare astronauts for future Mars exploration

Air & Space Power

A Chinese Astronaut Heard A Sound In Space That Hasn't Been Explained In Two Decades

Chinese astronauts aboard Shenzhou missions in 2003, 2005, and 2008 reported unexplained “knocking” sounds outside their spacecraft. Despite multiple theories—debris, thermal expansion, or escaping air—the phenomenon remains unsolved after two decades of investigation.

Air & Space Power

ORNL tackles control challenges of nuclear rocket engines

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a simulated nuclear rocket engine test bed to tackle control challenges. This system enables safe testing of autonomous controls, propellant flow, and reactor responsiveness essential for future deep-space missions.

Australian Defence Satellite Transportable Land Terminals (STLT) engineered by 145 Signal Squadron, to support 9th Force Support Battalion for the use of defence data terminals, at the Rockhampton Railyards during the South Queensland Warfighter 2024.

Air & Space Power

Dogfighting between satellites? Recognising space as a domain of war

Space increasingly underpins global security; yet rapid militarisation, technological advances, and geopolitical competition mean Australia will likely align with the US in treating space as an operational warfighting domain. China’s counter-space capabilities advancing.

Air & Space Power

SpaceX reveals why the last two Starships failed as another launch draws near

SpaceX disclosed technical failures behind two Starship explosions, refining engineering fixes ahead of the next test launch. The case underscores risks and iterative innovation in space systems with implications for sovereign launch capabilities.

Air & Space Power

The Space Force can’t achieve space superiority on the cheap

US increasingly depends on space. Its adversaries are developing the capability to deny access while simultaneously using space to target and attack terrestrial forces. A hefty budget is required to develop appropriate electronic warfare capability.

Air & Space Power

First Rocket Launch Highlights Space Momentum in Australia

On July 30, Gilmour Space launched its Eris rocket from Queensland, marking Australia’s first attempt at an indigenous orbital flight. Though short-lived, the launch signifies growing space industry capability and regulatory advancement

Two dolphins swim towards the Royal Australian Navy's Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel at Jervis Bay, Australian Capital Territory, during Exercise Autonomous Warrior 18

Communication & Cognition

Could Deciphering Dolphin Language Help Us Communicate With ET?

Dolphins produce shared, context-specific whistle sounds. Efforts to decode this communication may guide how we prepare to understand potential intelligent life beyond Earth—offering insights into non-human languages and shared meaning across species.

Air & Space Power

The United States Should Act Now to Mitigate Conflict Escalation on the Moon

The Lunar South Pole is believed to be rich in strategically valuable rare-earth materials. And, with China’s recent Chang’e 6 mission there, it’s a reminder of the looming challenges surrounding geopolitical competition in lunar space.

Air & Space Power

US tests heliostat-based system to detect asteroids without using telescopes

Heliostats, which normally reflect sunlight to generate electricity, are being repurposed to detect faint light reflected off near-Earth objects, helping spot potential threats before they strike; turning solar-powered mirrors into night-time surveillance tools.

Air & Space Power

Space: a Third Pillar for AUKUS?

Anti-satellite threats undermine operational readiness. Space therefore should be a strategic priority—a formal AUKUS collaboration framework is needed to ensure future resilience, security, and sovereign capability. Australia is positioned to lead space coordination.

Air & Space Power

Space Force awards BAE $1.2B for missile warning sats in MEO

The money will fund 10 second-generation satellites called Epoch 2, which are part of the Space Force’s planned Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking (MWT) program, designed to track hypersonic and ballistic missiles.

The C-band radar at the Harold E. Holt Naval Communication Station near Exmouth, Western Australi

Air & Space Power

NASA revives Voyager 1’s backup thrusters after 20 years

Voyager 1 was launched in 1977 and still provides data from interstellar space. NASA engineers restored control just in time—reviving backup thrusters once thought unusable and extending the life of humanity’s most distant spacecraft.

Air & Space Power

NASA's Deep Space Network is getting a new dish to help distant spacecraft phone home

A new antenna under construction in Canberra will strengthen deep space communication—essential for managing distant missions and decoding data sent back from the outer reaches of the solar system. Only Canberra can fully contact Voyager 2.

Air & Space Power

NASA’s newest space telescope blasts off to map the entire sky and millions of galaxies

The SPHEREx telescope will map the entire sky in infrared light, observe the collective glow from billions of galaxies, and study the aftermath of the Big Bang. The mission also aims to explain galaxy formation.

Air & Space Power

Space Force Tech: Weapons and Equipment Beyond Earth's Atmosphere

Space Force doesn’t yet engage in space battles, but does possess a significant amount of technology to protect the US.

Strategic Influence

A Study Suggests Black Holes Can Create Space Lasers—Just Like Einstein Thought

Gravitational lasers: Theory where space ripples, influenced by theoretical dark matter particles (axions), might make black holes emit laser-like beams.

Air & Space Power

Gilmour Space Technologies prepares to launch rocket into orbit from Bowen, Queensland

Gilmour rocket to be first Australian made rocket to be launched from Australia.

Technology & Innovation

Nasa beams cat video from deep space with laser

NASA tests laser communication technology from deep space to Earth by streaming a high-definition cat video.

Air & Space Power

SDA Demonstrates Link 16 from Space for First Time Ever

The US Space Development Agencey (SDA) announced it has demonstrated the first Link 16 broadcast from space.

Air & Space Power

Equatorial Launch Australia lodges plans for expansion to 300 hectares for Arnhem Space Centre

Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA), who runs the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC) in the NT, plans to expand its capability to 300 hectares and 14 launch pads.

Air & Space Power

Details emerge of near collision between Australian and Chinese satellites

A near-miss collision between Australian and Chinese military satellites highlight risk of increased space debris and need for collaboration to deconflict.

Air & Space Power

The space between alliance and self-reliance: The evolution of the Australia-US Defence space relationship

Australia leverages its geography to shape its space ties with the US and address Defence needs.

Air & Space Power

AIR AND SPACE POWER: COLLECTIONS

Extensive reading about air power enables military air force professionals to improve their strategic thinking, stay up-to-date with technological advancements, learn from history, understand policy and doctrine, enhance their professional development, foster critical thinking, manage risks effectively, and promote better interoperability with allies.

Air & Space Power

Italy’s Underrated Space Program

Italy collaborates actively in space with the US, involving small and medium-sized enterprises, working on missions like the International Space Station and Artemis, indirectly supporting NATO.

Military Management

Getting equatorial: the Australian company providing a launch pad for rockets

One of the most complicated and riskiest business models is a spaceport, however, a complex located in the Northern Territory is confident it has the technology and geographic advantages to make Australia’s launch industry viable

Strategic Influence

Space as a Strategic Geography

The article discusses the growing strategic importance of space, expanding the concept of strategic geography beyond terrestrial considerations, and highlights Australia's unique position to contribute and benefit from the evolving space domain.

Technology & Innovation

NASA Reveals What Made an Entire Starlink Satellite Fleet Go Down

Space weather can result in visually stunning northern and southern lights but can also cause destructive solar storms that may harm satellites.

Technology & Innovation

Space Force launch plan mirrors shift to smaller satellites

The US Space Force's plan for satellite launches reflects a shift towards smaller, more versatile satellites. In addition, the service is considering new launch technologies and providers to meet its growing demand for access to space and improve resilience against potential threats.

Strategic Influence

Setting Australia’s space priorities

Space is a vital part of international strategic competition—and with increasing competition from China, Australia needs to state its position and vision regarding using space from low-earth orbit to past the moon.

Technology & Innovation

NASA releases detailed views of DART mission smashing into asteroid from James Webb, Hubble telescopes

On Tuesday, 27 September, NASA crashed its Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft into the asteroid Dimorphos, some 9.6 million kilometres from Earth, intending to try to change the asteroid's path.

Strategic Influence

New Space Force Chief Confirmed

Lt. Gen. B. Chance Saltzman has been appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate as the new US Chief of Space Command.

Technology & Innovation

This US Space Force telescope in Australia will keep tabs on unusual satellite activity

This telescope is part of the worldwide radar and telescope-based US Space Force Network. It enhances Alliance cooperation and capability reducing the likelihood of satellite sabotage or destruction.

Strategic Influence

The diplomatic rift in outer space

Space infrastructure is a fundamental aspect of defence and our society in general—but it can be placed at risk due to geopolitics, strategic competition, offensive weapons, mistrust, misunderstandings, miscalculations and a diplomatic impasse.

Technology & Innovation

NASA Webb Space Telescope's Largest Image Yet Unveils a Shimmering Cosmos

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is expanding our knowledge about the Universe—by discovering previously unknown galaxies, one of which may have been formed soon after the Universe began.

Technology & Innovation

NASA's giant U.S. moon rocket emerges for debut launch

NASA's gigantic moon rocket will make its debut test flight this month. The rocket—topped with an un-crewed capsule—has already been moved to its launch pad.

Technology & Innovation

NASA rockets to blast off from Northern Territory in first Australian launch in 27 years

In the space agency's first launch from a commercial launch pad on foreign soil, NASA rockets will lift off from the Northern Territory to study astrophysics and planetary science only observable from the southern hemisphere.

Technology & Innovation

DARPA’s nuclear space propulsion project advances to next phase

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program is beginning the next phase of an experiment to assess the feasibility of nuclear-powered propulsion systems operating between the Earth and the Moon.

Strategic Influence

Why China and Russia scare Australia’s chief space defence officer

To effectively compete in Space AVM, Catherine Roberts, Head of Defence Space Command, argues that Australia needs the capability to disrupt enemy satellite communications and launch our own satellites.

Strategic Influence

Space Commander Catherine Roberts tells podcast of bullying she endured after first enlisting in the ADF

Air Vice-Marshal Cath Roberts—speaks about the unconscious bias against young women who want to join the defence force—not necessarily from the young women but from their parents.

Space Surveillance Telescope

Strategic Influence

Keep looking up: Australia’s next steps in space surveillance

Australia is geographically well placed to undertake the space domain awareness (SDA) mission—which could become a significant task and capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Technology & Innovation

Spacewatch: Nasa’s Webb telescope mirror alignment continues

Commissioning of the James Webb telescope is progressing well, with the first images due June –July 2022.

Australian Defence Force Cyber Gap Program participants compete in a 'capture the flag' cyber skills challenge in Canberra from 24 to 30 May 2021..

How cyberspace has become the new battleground in modern day warfare

Bolstering cybersecurity has become more critical than ever in the 21st century; battles are now being fought digitally and with missiles as nations wage war in new and complex arenas.

The asteroid Ryugu, photographed with an Optical Navigation Camera from a distance of approximately 40km away.

Technology & Innovation

James Webb space telescope takes up station a million miles from Earth

The James Webb space telescope is a quantum technological leap allowing astronomers to examine much more of the universe.

Raytheon Australia Managing Director, Mr Michael Ward (centre right), addresses attendees at the Naval Guided Weapons Maintenance facility opening at Defence Establishment Orchid Hills at Mulgoa, near Penrith in Sydney's west.

Technology & Innovation

Read Raytheon Intelligence & Space's most popular stories of 2021

Raytheon, a major US defence contractor, lists its most popular stories for 2021.

Sailor keeping a lookout at sunrise of the Coast of Darwin

Technology & Innovation

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope launched on quest to behold light from the first stars

On 25 Dec 2021, NASA launched the most advanced telescope ever built, the James Webb Telescope, named after the Director of NASA, who oversaw the moon landings.

Air to Air formation with a Mirage 2000-9 from the United Arab Emirates Air Force and an FA-18A Hornet from the Royal Australian Air Force.

Technology & Innovation

Israel, UAE to launch joint space projects, including Beresheet 2 Moon mission

Strengthened relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates has led to new agreements on possible joint space exploration.

Military History

75 Years Ago, A Nazi Rocket took the first photo of earth from space.

The USA used a WW2 Nazi Germany V2 rocket to take the first picture of the earth from space.

Royal Australian Air Force member Leading Aircraftwoman Chantelle Bradford and Nailsworth Primary School student Lachlan enjoying the interactive experience of 'Science Alive' at Wayville Showgrounds, Adelaide.

Technology & Innovation

SpaceX test fires Starship as FAA reviews key license for first orbital launch

Regulatory approvals are now the only thing standing between Elon Musk and his company from conducting its first orbital launch.

A Mercedes G-wagon sits under the Milky Way as it waits for repairs on the Great Endeavour Rally.

Technology & Innovation

Australia to provide rover for future NASA lunar lander mission

NASA plans to use Australian remote control mining technology to develop a rover vehicle for future lunar exploration programs.

An artistic illustration by Mr. Akihiro Ikeshita of the Hayabusa2 spacecraft releasing its capsule with samples from the asteroid Ryugu on return to Earth.

TED TALK...A NASA astronaut’s lessons on fear, confidence and preparing for spaceflight

TED Talk host Pat Mitchell speaks with Megan McArthur about space exploration, fear and parenthood.

Technology & Innovation

A Starcruiser for Space Force: Thinking Through the Imminent Transformation of Spacepower.

Cheaper and more manoeuvrable spacecraft might change the way the US military operates in space.

Air Vice-Marshal Catherine Roberts, AO, CSC, Commander of Defence Space Command, at the Defence Space Command Headquarters opening at Fairbairn in Canberra, ACT.

Air & Space Power

Royal Australian Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Catherine Roberts to become Australia's first space commander

AVM Catherine Roberts has been appointed to head Australia's new Space Divsion.

23 December 2020

Air & Space Power

Space 2.0

Australia's part in Space 2.0 and the future of the Space Industry

An audience views the premiere screening of the Jarli animation at Event Cinemas in Sydney.

Air & Space Power

Space Operations Chief Emphasizes Importance of Partnerships

Chief of U.S. Space Operations Gen. Raymond focussed on the importance of partnerships—'I'm going to really work hard on cultivating partnerships,' he said, citing among others Australia.

14 December 2020

Air & Space Power

International Cooperation in Space

What does International cooperation and national security look like in space.

27 November 2020

Air & Space Power

Space Archaeology and Sociology

The importance of medicine, health and other societal issues when thinking about aerospace, space junk and life in space.

17 November 2020

Air & Space Power

Diversity Doesn't Need Gravity

The value and impact of diversity should be contrasted with the value and impact of homogeneity.

13 November 2020

Air & Space Power

History of Australia's Involvement in Space

Australia's involvement in space spans seven decades, multiple locations and development of significant space capabilities.

3 November 2020

Air & Space Power

Space Legal Frameworks

Exploring the philosophy behind international law on earth, as it represents nation states, is a starting point for conceiving how to regulate and represent human endeavour in the space domain.

24 September 2020

Air & Space Power

Space Explained

Use of the space domain influences our daily lives and is the new frontier for those seeking a technological advantage however, it comes with unique challenges.

Air & Space Power

Flinders University researchers developing 'space power' framework to rank countries

Dr Praino from Flinders University is leading a team that is developing tools to make it easier to measure Australia’s space power relative to other nations.

United States Air Force (USAF) C-Band Radar AN/FPS-34 used to track satellites

Technology & Innovation

Spacex Just Lost Up To 80 Percent Of Its Recently-Launched Starlink Satellites — Here's Why

A SpaceX initiative, ‘Starlink Constellation’, plans to provide satellite internet access across the entire planet; however, the company’s plans have been set back thanks to a space storm.