Sirotin Intelligence Briefing: Apr 19 - Apr 25, 2025: Dark Eagle Takes Flight, Sino-Russian Lunar Nuclear Ambitions, And Contested Guardianship of Orbital Domains

The race for strategic advantage in space accelerates this week as the Pentagon tests its "Dark Eagle" hypersonic weapon while Space Force allocates $13.7 billion in launch contracts amid governance disputes. China advances with Shenzhou-20's successful Tiangong docking and announces plans for a joint lunar nuclear plant with Russia. These developments unfold against heightened geopolitical tensions as NATO expresses alarm over Russian space weapons. On Tuesday, Dr. Ruby Patterson joins us to discuss lunar resource economics, geological knowledge gaps, and why the Moon's south pole has become increasingly contested ahead of her company's planned 2028 reconnaissance mission.

🛡️ Defense Highlights

• DoD Tests "Dark Eagle" Hypersonic Missile: The Department of Defense conducted an undisclosed missile test from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on April 25th. While specifics weren't publicly announced, the launch is widely believed to be the Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon system, officially designated "Dark Eagle." Maritime warnings and navigation advisories indicated unusual launch activity from Space Launch Complex 46, with social media images confirming the distinctive launcher shape. This successful test follows previous attempts in 2023 and represents a significant milestone in America's hypersonic weapons development amid similar Russian and Chinese advancements.
• Space Force Allocates $13.7B in Launch Contracts: The U.S. Space Force has awarded $13.7 billion in national security launch contracts to three providers under its National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 2 program. SpaceX secured the largest share at $5.9 billion for an expected 28 missions, United Launch Alliance received $5.4 billion for 19 launches, and Blue Origin was awarded $2.4 billion for seven missions. These firm fixed-price, indefinite-delivery contracts cover launches between fiscal years 2027 and 2032 for the Defense Department's most demanding, least risk-tolerant payloads. The awards represent a critical step in ensuring assured access to space for national security missions while increasing launch resiliency and capacity.
• SAIC Wins $55M Space Development Agency Contract: Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has been awarded a five-year, $55 million contract to serve as lead program integrator for the Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture Tranche 3. The contract tasks SAIC with systems engineering and integration support to ensure compatibility and cohesion across SDA's emerging constellation of hundreds of networked satellites in different orbits. This network is being developed to provide early missile warnings and detection capabilities, with SDA deploying the satellites in "Tranches" or sets, beginning with Tranche 0 launches in 2023. SAIC's selection came after a competitive process that received five bids.
• Space Force Weather Satellite Achieves Operational Status: The U.S. Space Force's next-generation weather satellite has been declared ready for operational forecasting. The system provides enhanced meteorological imagery and atmospheric data critical for military planning across all domains. This milestone strengthens the Space Force's environmental intelligence capabilities, particularly for operations in remote or contested regions where traditional weather resources may be limited or unreliable. The satellite represents a crucial component in the Space Force's growing portfolio of mission support assets.
• Report Warns of U.S. "Strategic Drift" in Space: A significant analysis published this week highlights concerning trends in America's space posture relative to Chinese advancements. The report identifies institutional fragmentation, funding inconsistencies, and bureaucratic obstacles potentially hampering U.S. space leadership while China continues making coordinated progress across civil, commercial, and military space domains. The findings suggest the United States must develop more coherent strategic approaches to maintain its competitive advantage in the increasingly contested orbital environment, especially as China expands its space-based capabilities and international partnerships.
• Governors Alarmed by Air National Guard Units Transfer to Space Force: The National Governors Association has expressed strong concern over plans to transfer Air National Guard units with space missions to the Space Force without state approval. Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt issued a statement warning that Space Force leadership is "aggressively pushing" to implement Legislative Proposal 480 and remove units from states by the end of the year. The governors emphasized that such transfers sidestep legal precedent requiring gubernatorial consent for National Guard unit changes and violate the traditional state-federal relationship governing these forces. The dispute affects approximately 1,000 part-time Air National Guardsmen across 14 units operating space-related missions in seven states.
• NSSA Releases Paper on "Golden Dome" Requirements: The National Security Space Association's Moorman Center for Space Studies has published a new paper titled "Military Requirements for Golden Dome Homeland Defense." The document outlines the defense community's strategic needs for the missile defense shield initiative announced by President Trump earlier this year. The analysis provides technical specifications and operational considerations for the planned constellation of tracking and attack satellites, including discussions of sensor requirements, intercept capabilities, and orbital architecture. The paper follows January's executive order establishing the program and represents an important step in translating strategic goals into concrete technical specifications for the ambitious space-based defensive system.
• NATO Chief Concerned About Russian Space Weapons: NATO leadership has expressed growing alarm regarding Russian space-based nuclear capabilities. These concerns follow earlier U.S. intelligence warnings about potential anti-satellite systems with nuclear components. The situation has heightened attention on emerging orbital threats and the challenges of verifying compliance with existing space treaties. NATO officials are pushing for enhanced space domain awareness and defensive measures while emphasizing the need to maintain strategic stability in increasingly militarized orbital environments.
• NASA and Russia Prepare ISS Deorbit Contingency Plan: NASA and Roscosmos are collaborating on backup plans for the International Space Station's eventual controlled deorbit. The agencies are working to ensure no gap in low Earth orbit presence occurs while developing redundant capabilities to safely bring the massive structure down at mission's end. The joint U.S.-Russian commission has emphasized that a controlled deorbit is imperative for public safety, requiring continued cooperation despite broader geopolitical tensions. The planning highlights the technical complexity of safely disposing of the 400-ton structure while maintaining international space partnerships.

🌐 Policy, Geopolitical & Legal Developments

• Shenzhou-20 Crew Arrives at Tiangong: Commander Chen Dong and rookies Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie successfully docked with China's Tiangong space station on April 24th after launching from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The trio will spend six months aboard the three-module orbital outpost, temporarily overlapping with the Shenzhou-19 crew scheduled to return to Earth on April 29th. This marks the ninth crewed mission to reach Tiangong and continues China's uninterrupted human presence in orbit. Commander Chen noted this will be his third spaceflight, following his leadership of the Shenzhou-14 mission in 2022 that oversaw the addition of Tiangong's science modules.
• NASA Astronaut Don Pettit Returns From ISS: Veteran NASA astronaut Don Pettit returned to Earth on April 19th aboard the Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft after a 220-day mission to the International Space Station. Pettit, along with Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, landed in Kazakhstan on April 20th (local time), coinciding with Pettit's 70th birthday. During his fourth spaceflight, Pettit conducted numerous scientific investigations including metal 3D printing experiments, water sanitization technology testing, and plant growth studies in microgravity. The mission brought Pettit's career total to 590 days in space, making him NASA's oldest active astronaut to return from orbit.
• Pakistan Astronaut Program Advances: China has confirmed plans to train Pakistan's first astronaut for a future mission to the Tiangong space station. This development will make Pakistan the first foreign country to send a space traveler to China's orbital outpost, marking a significant expansion of Beijing's space diplomacy initiatives. The preliminary selection process is currently underway in Pakistan, though specific mission timing remains unannounced. This partnership reflects China's strategy of developing space collaborations outside traditional Western alliances, particularly with nations participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.
• China Showcases Mars Simulation Base: Chinese media provided rare access to the country's Mars simulation facility ahead of the Shenzhou-20 launch. The desert-based complex includes habitat modules, airlocks, and simulated Martian terrain designed to prepare personnel for future Red Planet missions while serving as an educational attraction. Chinese officials emphasized the importance of the facility for both astronaut training and building public support for their deep space ambitions. The installation underscores China's long-term commitment to Mars exploration, with plans for sample return missions this decade and eventual human landings in the 2030s.
• China and Russia Plan Lunar Nuclear Power Plant: Chinese space officials revealed plans to build a nuclear power plant on the lunar surface as part of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) being developed with Russia. The announcement came during a presentation by Chang'e-8 mission Chief Engineer Pei Zhaoyu, who outlined how the reactor would supplement large-scale solar arrays to power the proposed lunar base. Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration program, emphasized Russia's technological advantage in space-based nuclear systems, calling it a critical component for establishing a permanent human presence on the lunar surface by 2035. The joint project is part of China's "555 Project" aiming to invite 50 countries, 500 research institutions, and 5,000 researchers to participate in their lunar initiative.
• Trump Praises Hubble, Pledges Space Leadership: Former President Donald Trump, speaking on the Hubble Space Telescope's 35th anniversary, emphasized America's continued leadership in space exploration. The statement highlighted the telescope's historic contributions to astronomy while connecting its legacy to current spaceflight initiatives. The remarks touched on both scientific achievements and strategic considerations in space policy, reaffirming support for NASA's core missions while suggesting potential policy directions for the U.S. space program. The statement comes amid ongoing debates about NASA's budget priorities and long-term exploration goals.
• U.S.-Russian ISS Commission: Controlled Deorbit Essential: A joint U.S.-Russian commission has emphasized two imperatives for the International Space Station's future: ensuring a controlled deorbit and preventing any gap in low Earth orbit presence. The commission stressed that maintaining adequate budget and resources until the station's safe reentry is critical for both operational safety and public protection. This coordinated position comes amid concerns about funding constraints and highlights the necessity of continued international cooperation despite broader geopolitical tensions. The commission's recommendations underscore the technical and diplomatic complexity of managing the space station's eventual retirement.
• Indonesia Seeks Space Defense Cooperation with Japan's Military: Indonesia has proposed new space security partnerships with Japan's Self-Defense Forces, focusing on satellite technology and orbital domain awareness. The initiative aims to enhance Indonesia's nascent space capabilities while strengthening regional security alliances in the Indo-Pacific. Indonesian officials emphasized the growing importance of space assets for national security and highlighted complementary capabilities between the two nations. The proposed collaboration reflects increasing recognition of space as a critical security domain among Asian nations amid China's rapid expansion of military space capabilities and Russia's anti-satellite demonstrations.

🛰️ Technology & Commercial Developments

• Katalyst Space Acquires Atomos for In-Space Servicing: Arizona-based Katalyst Space Technologies has acquired Colorado-based Atomos Space, combining two venture-funded startups focused on in-space servicing capabilities. The strategic move will integrate Atomos' Quark spacecraft platform with Katalyst's satellite upgrade expertise, enabling the combined company to offer life extension, spacecraft upgrades, and space domain awareness services. Katalyst CEO Ghonhee Lee emphasized the critical importance of increasing spacecraft docking frequency for both national security and the space economy. The company will continue operating Atomos' 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Broomfield, Colorado, with plans to leverage their joint technologies for upcoming Department of Defense and commercial missions.
• KULR Technology Secures $6.7M Space Battery Grant: KULR Technology Group has been awarded $6.7 million by the Texas Space Commission as part of a broader $26 million grant program focused on space exploration technology. The funding will support KULR's development of cold-temperature lithium-ion battery solutions capable of operating at temperatures as low as -60°C for lunar and Martian missions. The project is being conducted in collaboration with NASA Johnson Space Center and South 8 Technologies, utilizing KULR's Webster, Texas facility as the engineering and test hub. This advanced battery technology aims to reduce heater energy requirements, improve safety margins, and enable longer-duration operations in deep space environments, aligning with NASA's Artemis program objectives.
• Celestial "Smiley Face" Delights Skywatchers: A rare triple conjunction created a celestial "smiley face" in predawn skies on April 25th as Venus, Saturn, and a thin crescent moon aligned in a triangular formation. The distinctive arrangement featured the crescent moon forming the "smile" with the two planets positioned as "eyes," visible low on the eastern horizon approximately one hour before sunrise. While not a major astronomical event, the unique alignment offered stargazers worldwide a charming visual phenomenon that was widely visible with the naked eye. The celestial display added to April's notable skywatching events, including the recent Lyrid meteor shower and preparations for the upcoming Eta Aquariids in early May.
• Meta Deploys Llama AI to International Space Station: Meta and Booz Allen Hamilton have successfully implemented the Llama large language model aboard the International Space Station. This deployment enables astronauts to process complex data and interact with station systems using natural language queries, potentially reducing dependence on ground control for routine operations and analysis tasks. The space-hardened AI implementation addresses unique challenges of orbital computing, including radiation effects, limited processing resources, and communications latency. This milestone represents a significant advance in space-based artificial intelligence applications with implications for future deep space missions where autonomous capabilities will become increasingly vital.
• SpaceX Launches Starlink Satellites From Florida: SpaceX successfully launched its 250th batch of 28 Starlink satellites on April 24th from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Falcon 9 booster, making its 23rd flight, landed successfully on the drone ship "A Shortfall of Gravitas" in the Atlantic Ocean. This launch brought the total number of Starlink satellites deployed to over 8,290, further expanding the company's global internet coverage. SpaceX recently added service to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Jordan, and Guyana as part of its ongoing international rollout. The launch utilized the optimized V2 Mini satellites, which feature enhanced capabilities and more efficient mass distribution for maximum payload capacity.
• Tiangong Station Prepares for Expansion: Chinese space officials disclosed plans to add a multi-functional expansion module to the Tiangong station, featuring six additional docking ports. This enhancement will enable greater capacity for visiting vehicles, scientific experiments, and potential tourist missions without disrupting core operations. The announcement coincides with the 55th anniversary of China's first satellite launch (Dongfanghong-1) and reflects the country's methodical approach to expanding its orbital infrastructure. The modular design builds on experience gained from the current three-module configuration while providing flexibility for future international partnerships.
• NASA Schedules Industry Day for Commercial Space Station Contracts: NASA has announced an industry engagement event focused on contracting opportunities for future commercial space stations in low Earth orbit. The initiative aims to stimulate private sector development of orbital facilities that can eventually replace the International Space Station while maintaining continuous U.S. presence in LEO. The event will brief potential contractors on NASA's requirements, certification processes, and funding mechanisms for commercial orbital platforms. This approach aligns with the agency's strategy to transition routine LEO operations to commercial providers while redirecting NASA resources toward deep space exploration missions.
• OkapiOrbits Raises €13M for Space Traffic Management: German startup OkapiOrbits has secured €13 million in funding to advance its space traffic management solutions. The company specializes in providing collision avoidance systems for satellite operators, helping to navigate the increasingly congested orbital environment. This investment will support expansion of their services at a time when the number of active and defunct satellites continues to grow significantly. The funding round highlights increasing market attention on the critical issue of space sustainability and debris mitigation as commercial satellite deployments accelerate.
• Axiom Space and Intuitive Machines Plan Future Missions: Houston-based Axiom Space and Intuitive Machines are advancing their respective space programs with ambitious new mission plans. Axiom continues development of its commercial space station modules while preparing for upcoming private astronaut missions to the ISS. Meanwhile, Intuitive Machines is building on its successful IM-1 lunar landing earlier this year with preparations for follow-up missions that will deliver additional scientific payloads to the lunar surface. These parallel efforts cement Houston's growing importance as a commercial space hub beyond its traditional role in NASA operations.
• Amazon's First Kuiper Satellites Prepare for Orbit: United Launch Alliance is readying an Atlas V 551 rocket to deliver the first batch of Amazon's Project Kuiper internet satellites to orbit on April 28th. This mission, designated KA-01, will launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and marks the beginning of Amazon's planned 3,236-satellite constellation. Unlike previous test satellites, these are production-grade units designed to compete with SpaceX's Starlink in the global satellite internet market. The mission represents a major milestone in the increasingly competitive commercial space-based connectivity sector, with implications for broadband access in underserved regions worldwide.

💭 A Word From Christophe Bosquillon

Intelligence Contributor, Senior Editor at Sirotin Intelligence

Relentless media attacks failed to deter an unscathed SecDef Hegseth from spearheading his 'No More Walking On Eggshells' Policyto reform the DoD.

Out of a record $1Trillion DoD budget, the $150Billion for defense spending earmarked by the Congress reconciliation bill would include $27Billion for the "Golden Dome for America."  

With a focus on Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, CSIS released their "Space Threat Assessment 2025," which confirms widespread jamming and spoofing of GPS signals in and around conflict zones, by adversaries equipped with more advanced orbital maneuvering capabilities intended for space warfighting. And while the discussion on such global counterspace trends intensifies, the US Space Force is being reminded that it can't outsource essential support. 

Part of the procurement reform balancing act, between government-owned assets and commercial capabilities, is how do you square US achievements from AI to space as instruments of smart power diplomacy, with the fact that "the greatest obstacle to US dominance remains overregulation and a lack of attention within the government supporting the increasingly critical space sector." Fortunately, the US Space Development Agency fast, modular, and scalable procurement model received good marks from some European stakeholders.

 In the run-up to the State of the Space Industrial Base Conference (29 April to 02 May 2025), NewSpace Nexus just published their 2024 "State of the Space Industrial Base" report. Assessing that “the US has made critical progress in space policy and industrial development, yet it still lacks a unifying "North Star Vision" to guide its long-term objectives in economic development, human settlement, and leadership in space,” the report warns that “strategic competition with China and other state actors continues to shape the space domain, driving the need for accelerated action, investment, and interagency coordination."  

None of that did prevent Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration programme, from recently accusing the US of interfering in Beijing's attempts to cooperate with Europe and other foreign partners in space programmes.  

Discussions at the upcoming NewSpace Nexus State of the Space Industrial Base Conference will underscore the future of a revamped American space power geared toward warfighting in space. 

Have a great space week ahead!

🎤 Our Next Guest

Thursday, Tuesday April 29th – Dr. Ruby Patterson on the Future of Lunar Resources

Dr. Ruby Patterson, Chief Science Officer at The Extraterrestrial Mining Company (XMC) and 2024 Emerging Space Leader honoree, joins us to discuss the scientific and geopolitical realities of lunar resource utilization and the critical gaps in our current understanding of the Moon.

🔍 Topics Covered:

• The economic and technical realities of helium-3 extraction from lunar regolith
• Why commercial lunar development is focusing on specific resources over others
• How XMC's planned 2028 lunar reconnaissance mission will advance both commercial and scientific knowledge
• The surprising extent of what we still don't know about lunar geology and water ice deposits
• Why the south pole of the Moon has become increasingly contentious between spacefaring nations
• The emerging concept of the "cislunar theater" in national security planning
• How autonomous systems will be essential for successful lunar operations
• The challenges of building diverse teams in the space industry and why it matters for innovation

Don't miss this fascinating conversation with a planetary geologist turned commercial space pioneer who believes that "the gaps in our lunar knowledge are enormous" and is working to bridge them. As both a former NASA collaborator and current industry leader, Dr. Patterson brings a unique perspective on the intersection of scientific discovery and responsible resource utilization beyond Earth

📚 Essential Intel from Our Archives

Missed a beat? These groundbreaking conversations are must-reads:

"20th Century Frameworks Can't Handle Modern Space Warfare" 

AzurX Partner and Saudi space policy architect warns that outdated defense thinking fails to address emerging orbital threats as space becomes the newest domain for strategic competition.

"The Space Cyber Security Market Is Our Niche" 

Head of Space at Estonia's Ministry of Economic Affairs Paul Liias explains how his nation of 1.3 million is reshaping European space security through specialized digital expertise.

"We're Building the Railroads of the Space Gold Rush"

Space Phoenix Systems CEO Andrew Parlock positions his company as "FedEx for space," creating an infrastructure that helps businesses launch and return payloads from orbit with minimal friction.

"Our Nuclear Shield Was Killed For Political, Not Technological Reasons"

Reagan's SDI Director Ambassador Henry Cooper argues that effective missile defense technology developed during the Reagan-Bush years was abandoned for political reasons when the Clinton administration "took the stars out of Star Wars."

"Every Country Has a Border with Space"

UK Space Agency CEO Dr. Paul Bate is developing Britain's space industry through initiatives like spaceports in Scotland's Shetland Islands to establish the UK as Europe's premier satellite launch destination.

"We're Treating Satellites Like They're Still In The 1990s" 

Niha Agarwalla, Director of Commercial Space, explains why traditional satellites are obsolete and how resilient constellations will transform space economics.

"When People See Space Guardians in Uniform, They Ask If They're Real" 

Colonel Bill Woolf, 25-year space defense veteran, reveals his mission to build public support for the newest military branch defending America's orbital assets.

"One Kilogram of Helium-3 Is Worth $50 Million" 

Jeffrey Max, Magna Petra CEO, explains how lunar resource extraction could revolutionize Earth's energy production and fuel humanity's expansion across the solar system.

"I'm Building a Rocket Engine That Could Reach Alpha Centauri" 

Michael Paluszek, Princeton Satellite Systems President, reveals how fusion propulsion could reduce travel times throughout our solar system and enable humanity's first interstellar missions.

"Space Has a Scottish Accent"

Chris Newlands, CEO of Space Aye, discusses how his company's satellite technology is revolutionizing wildlife conservation and helping to combat illegal fishing and poaching.

"I Learned From the Last Generation of Manhattan Project Veterans”

Patrick McClure, former Kilopower Project Lead at Los Alamos National Laboratory, explains how small nuclear reactors could power future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

"We're Being Attacked Every Day" 

Christopher Stone, Former Pentagon Space Advisor, warns about America's vulnerabilities in orbit and explains why China's "attack to deter" doctrine makes space conflict more likely than many realize.

"I Helped SpaceX Secure Their First Commercial Contracts" 

Serial entrepreneur Robert Feierbach discusses building billion-dollar space ventures across four continents and developing North America's newest spaceport.

"We Can Fly 8,000 Miles In 2 Hours" 

Jess Sponable, Ex-DARPA PM & President of NFA, explains how rocket-powered aircraft will revolutionize global travel through simplified hypersonic technology.​​ 

"This Could Be Our Biggest Economy"

Kevin O'Connell, Former Space Commerce Director, reveals how space is transforming from a government domain to a $1.8 trillion market.

​​"How Do You Win a War in Space?" 

Ram Riojas, Ex-Nuclear Commander and Space Defense Expert, explains why the next war will start in space and how nations are preparing their defenses.

"First Day on the Job, Hubble Was Broken" 

Mike Kaplan, James Webb Space Telescope Pioneer, reveals how early setbacks with Hubble shaped NASA's approach to complex space missions. 

The Future of Human Space Habitation 

Jules Ross reveals how her journey from artist to space visionary is reshaping human adaptation to space through Earth's first artificial gravity station.

Space Law's New Frontier 

Attorney Michael J. Listner unpacks the complex legal challenges facing modern space activities. From resource rights to orbital debris management

Making Oceans Transparent From Space

Navy Legend Guy Thomas, inventor of S-AIS, shares how his invention transformed global maritime surveillance and security.

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