Military forces have a long association with spaceflight, with modern rockets evolving from missiles developed during World War II. Today's armed forces rely on space-based assets for reconnaissance, weather tracking, communication, navigation and more. The U.S. Air Force regularly launches GPS and missile-defense tracking satellites, and operates two classified X-37B robotic space planes. Learn more about military satellites, space weapon, the Space Force and more here.
Related Topics: NASA
Latest about military space
US Space Force moves GPS launch to SpaceX Falcon 9 due to Vulcan rocket glitch
The U.S. Space Force has swapped rockets for an upcoming GPS satellite launch, moving to a SpaceX Falcon 9 while the investigation into an anomaly with ULA's Vulcan Centaur continues.
Rocket Lab scores $190 million launch deal to test hypersonic tech for US military
Rocket Lab has inked a $190 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense for 20 launches of the company's suborbital HASTE rocket.
US Space Force pauses national security launches on ULA Vulcan rocket due to booster glitch
The U.S. Space Force is putting an indefinite halt on all national security missions aboard United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur, following a repeat anomaly with the rocket's side boosters.
Rocket Lab launches hypersonic scramjet vehicle for the US military
Rocket Lab launched a scramjet-powered hypersonic vehicle for the U.S. military to suborbital space on Friday (Feb. 27).
China's mysterious Shenlong space plane recently launched on its 4th mission. What is it doing up there?
China's reusable Shenlong space plane launched on its fourth space mission earlier this month. What is it doing in Earth orbit, and how do those activities advance China's space goals?
Deja vu: Vulcan Centaur rocket powers through 'significant performance anomaly' on satellite launch
A Vulcan Centaur rocket successfully launched two U.S. spy satellites on Feb. 12 despite suffering an anomaly with one of its solid rocket boosters, echoing the result of an October 2024 mission.
Vulcan Centaur rocket launches 'neighborhood watch' satellites for the US military (video)
Liftoff of the USSF-87 mission occurred at 4:22 a.m. ET on Thursday (Feb. 12).
Rocket Lab's 'Hungry Hippo' Neutron fairing arrives at spaceport in Virginia
The "hungry hippo" fairing for Rocket Lab's new Neutron launch vehicle has arrived for integration at the company's Virginia Spaceport facilities.
