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NASA, Aloft Sensing Develop Compact Radar to Observe Changes to Earth’s Surface
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Aloft Sensing's HALE InSAR. The NASA-funded compact radar instrument can observe Earth’s surface deformation.

NASA and Aloft Sensing have developed a compact radar system designed to detect and observe ground deformation, topography, vegetation and other minute changes to Earth’s surface.

The space agency said Tuesday the radar instrument uses high-altitude, long-endurance—or HALE—vehicles equipped with Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, or InSAR, to help researchers measure and observe dynamic Earth systems.

Advancing HALE InSAR Through NASA ESTO Funding

Funded by NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office, or ESTO, the compact radar instrument called HALE InSAR features a flat phased array antenna, which eliminates the need for gimbles and other heavy components by enabling users to steer the radar beam electronically.

“This technology has been critically enabled by ESTO, and the benefit to science and civil applications is huge,” said Lauren Wye, CEO of Aloft Sensing and principal investigator for HALE InSAR.

“It also exemplifies the dual-use potential enabled by NASA-funded research. We are seeing significant military interest in this capability now that it is reaching maturity. As a small business, we need this hand-in-hand approach to be able to succeed,” added Wye.

HALE InSAR weighs less than 15 pounds and uses advanced positioning algorithms. It can reportedly locate itself without GPS, making it ideal for missions in GPS-denied environments.

Aloft Sensing’s Plans for HALE InSAR

Aloft Sensing has demonstrated the radar aboard an airship at 65,000 feet and small stratospheric balloons.

The company will use a fixed-wing HALE aircraft to test the instrument, which could be integrated into a small satellite in low Earth orbit.

“All of the design features that we’ve built into the instrument are starting to showcase themselves and highlight why this payload in particular is distinct from what other small radars might be looking to achieve,” said Wye.

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SSC Demonstrates Protected Tactical Waveform Capability to Secure Warfighter Comms
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Space Systems Command logo. SSC demonstrated Protected Tactical Waveform satellite communications.

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command has demonstrated Protected Tactical Waveform, or PTW, satellite communications with joint warfighters, marking several first-time achievements in secure satellite connectivity.

Held July 14 to 16, the test event used Boeing-developed subsystems integrated into the Protected Tactical Enterprise Service, or PTES, program.

Accomplishments included frequency hopping under variable interference, over-the-air operations via five PTW-enabled terminals, a secure Voice Over Internet Protocol call and a ground bounce via a commercial satellite.

“This demonstration culminates years of industry and government partnership to realize a modern, anti-jam, low probability intercept waveform that will underpin future tactical SATCOM operations,” said Erin Carper, senior program director for the PTW family of systems. “Adversaries and allies understand the criticality of SATCOM in the modern battlefield, and the threats to SATCOM have evolved accordingly. The PTES Program will ensure that U.S. and allied warfighters can operate through these threats.”

Protecting Communications in Contested Environments

Space Force is developing PTES, a software-intensive ground system, to enable worldwide, anti-jam protected communications for tactical warfighters using the PTW. The PTES program is part of SSC’s Military Communications and Positioning, Navigation and Timing Program Executive Office.

With PTW, warfighters could operate through evolving electronic warfare threats. Production-representative PTW modems will be fielded separately by each military service and international partners. Initial PTW deployment will use the Wideband Global SATCOM system, followed by commercial satellites and the Protected Tactical SATCOM system.

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Coast Guard Launches New Program Executive Office for Robotics & Autonomous Systems
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Coast Guard seal. The U.S. Coast Guard launched a new Program Executive Office for robotics and autonomous systems.

The U.S. Coast Guard has unveiled the Initial Operating Capability of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems, or RAS, Program Executive Office as part of efforts to boost operational readiness and effectiveness.

Coast Guard Launches New Program Executive Office for Robotics & Autonomous Systems

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Coast Guard Modernization

The RAS PEO, a central part of the Force Design 2028 plan, is intended to integrate new RAS technologies by fast-tracking their development, procurement, deployment and sustainment across the service, the Coast Guard said Tuesday. This development signifies a major transformative shift for the service.

The new PEO aims to operationalize the Unmanned Systems Strategic Plan by rapidly acquiring robotics and autonomous systems to enhance the Coast Guard’s operations, enabling it to boost border security, maritime commerce and contingency response. The office will also prioritize integrating counter-unmanned aircraft systems into the Coast Guard’s operations, including defending the U.S. Marine Transportation System and safeguarding National Special Security Events.

The new office aims to achieve RAS Full Operating Capability to accelerate the procurement process for advanced technologies. The PEO will oversee the entire lifecycle of a capability, including defining and prioritizing the requirements, handling procurement and contracting, and developing and deploying systems and sustainment plans.

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DISA Issues RFI for Military Sealift Command Cybersecurity Support Services Contract
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DISA seal. DISA issued a request for information for the Military Sealift Command Cybersecurity Support Services contract.

The Defense Information Systems Agency has issued a request for information seeking potential vendors for the Military Sealift Command Cybersecurity Support Services, or MSC CSS, contract.

DISA Issues RFI for Military Sealift Command Cybersecurity Support Services Contract

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MSC CSS Contract Scope & Details

According to the sources sought notice posted on SAM.gov Tuesday, DISA is soliciting information on small and large businesses with the technical capability to deliver services supporting cybersecurity operations, risk management and compliance. The potential deal requires cybersecurity-related services, such as conducting cybersecurity site visits to help mariners patch and scan their systems and networks, conducting risk assessments for operational technology assessment and authorization, and doing compliance visits to evaluate individual ship or department’s cybersecurity readiness.

The contract requires a deep knowledge of existing Department of the Navy and Department of Defense cybersecurity directives and procedures.

The potential contract is structured to include a 12-month base period with four 12-month options. The project will run through May 14, 2031 if all four options are exercised. The contractor will perform work primarily in its facilities, though meetings will be conducted in Norfolk, Virginia. Visits to other MSC, U.S. Navy, Transportation Command or Department of Defense installations may also be required.

Responses to the RFI are due by Sept. 4. The notice is open to certified 8(a) small disadvantaged businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, HUBZone small businesses and woman-owned small businesses.

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Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey Appointed FBI Co-Deputy Director
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Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey. Bailey has stepped down to become the FBI's co-deputy director.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has announced that he will be stepping down on Sept. 8 and taking on the role of co-deputy director of the FBI. In a press release issued Monday, he said it has been a privilege to serve as the 44th attorney general of Missouri.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey Appointed FBI Co-Deputy Director

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Commenting on his new role, he said, “I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Co-Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I extend my deepest gratitude to President Trump and U.S. Attorney General Bondi for the privilege to join in their stated mission to Make America Safe Again.”

Bailey will be working with FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, per Fox News Digital.

According to Politico, his appointment comes after Bongino and Bondi clashed over the management of the files linked to the case of Jeffrey Epstein.

Before President Trump’s inauguration, he was choosing between Bailey and Patel to head the FBI, CNN reported. He interviewed both of them at Mar-a-Lago last year, but ultimately went with Patel. Trump said Bailey “didn’t fit that mold” of an FBI director.

Who Is Andrew Bailey?

Prior to his appointment and serving as Missouri’s attorney general, Bailey became an armored cavalry officer in the U.S. Army, based on his profile. He previously served in the Missouri Governor’s Office as a general counsel, after becoming its deputy counsel. He also worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Warren County and served as the general counsel for the Missouri Department of Corrections. He started his legal career as an assistant attorney general at the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. He finished his studies at the University of Missouri.

Department of Justice’s Pam Bondi Shares Thoughts

“I am thrilled to welcome Andrew Bailey as Co-Deputy Director of the FBI,” Bondi said.

“He has served as a distinguished state attorney general and is a decorated war veteran, bringing expertise and dedication to service. His leadership and commitment to country will be a tremendous asset as we work together to advance President Trump’s mission,” she added.

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Army to Use New Procurement Model for Tactical Radio Modernization
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Military technology. The Army will use a new procurement model for its planned tactical radio modernization

The U.S. Army is developing a new procurement model for its planned tactical radio modernization.

Army Futures Command’s Maj. Dominic Adams, requirements development branch chief, and Col. John Harrel, capabilities manager of tactical radios, shared during a recent panel that the Common Hardware Software Solutions Tactical Radios, or CHESS-TR, procurement model is still in its concept stage, but draft requirements documents will likely be released in the “next year to two years.”

Details About Army’s CHESS-TR

Once it comes out, CHESS-TR will be similar to the Program Executive Office of Command, Control, Communications and Network’s Common Hardware Systems program, which provides a catalog of commercial IT hardware for tactical and operational requirements.

For products to be listed in the digital catalog, industry will need to get their hardware, software and services approved. Units will be able to browse the catalog, choose the capabilities that best meet their needs and place an order.

Harrell revealed that the goal is to deliver technologies in the hands of warfighters as quickly as possible.

The procurement model, he added, offers flexibility. The official pointed out that units in Africa will have different tactical network requirements compared to warfighters deployed to Europe or the Indo-Pacific.

How CHESS-TR Would Benefit Vendors

Harrell explained that the proposed procurement model would also be good for vendors because it would drive innovation and it would enable vendors to monitor what products are in demand.

“You can read what other vendors are getting involved [in], and you can now start competing across that,” he shared. “We think that’s really a great, great solution across the board.”

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Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin to Retire
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Gen. David Allvin. The U.S. Air Force's chief of staff will retire in November.

Gen. David Allvin, chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, has announced plans to retire in November.

“The Air Force is fortunate to have leaders like General Dave Allvin. During his tenure, the Air Force has undertaken transformational initiatives that will enable Airmen to answer their nation’s call for decades to come,” Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said in a statement published Monday.

Allvin will continue to serve in the role until a new USAF chief of staff is confirmed.

“More than anything, I’m proud to have been part of the team of Airmen who live out our core values of integrity, service and excellence every day as we prepare to defend this great nation,” the general said.

Who Is Gen. David Allvin?

Allvin has been the Air Force’s chief of staff since November 2023. In this capacity, he is responsible for training and equipping 689,000 active-duty, Reserve, National Guard and civilian forces serving in the U.S. and abroad.

His previous roles include vice chief of staff of the Air Force; director for strategy, plans and policy, J-5, Joint Staff; and director of strategy and policy for Headquarters U.S. European Command in Germany.

The U.S. Air Force Academy graduate has held major command staff assignments and commanded at the squadron and wing levels in his nearly four-decade career.

The command pilot has logged more than 4,600 flight hours in over 30 aircraft.

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NGA Appoints Ashton Barnes as Space Operations Deputy Chief
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National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency logo. The NGA appointed Ashton Barnes as space operations deputy chief.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency has named Ashton Barnes as deputy chief of space operations. Barnes, who announced the appointment in a LinkedIn post on Monday, brings with him five years of service in the U.S. Space Force.

NGA Appoints Ashton Barnes as Space Operations Deputy Chief

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He assumed the NGA role in July after serving in multiple operational and leadership positions within the Space Force.

Ashton Barnes’ Space Force Career

Barnes commissioned into the Space Force in 2020 after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy with a degree in systems engineering focused on human factors. He was first assigned as a student at the 533rd Training Squadron, where he earned the Academic Achievement Award for maintaining a 99 percent average throughout the Officer Undergraduate Space Training course. He later became a mission planner, developing orbital flight tests to validate space tactics and ensure the delivery of effective and lethal space capabilities to the warfighting community.

In August 2021, Barnes was promoted to test director and led a team responsible for the integrated test and evaluation of next-generation weapons systems. He was recognized as the 2021 Tester of the Year and received the Space Training and Readiness Command Gene Kranz Jr Officer Leadership Award at the time.

He later served as an executive officer and, most recently, as deputy chief of training, overseeing the development and delivery of training programs for more than 100 squadron members and managing a team of trainers and instructional designers.

The new NGA deputy chief of space operations holds certifications in continuous process improvement, systems acquisition management and systems engineering.

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Johns Hopkins APL Lands $250M DISA Contract for Research, Engineering Support
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DISA logo. DISA awarded the Johns Hopkins APL an IDIQ contract for operations research and engineering support.

The Defense Information Systems Agency has awarded the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory a potential five-year, $250 million contract to provide operations research and engineering services to help enhance military capabilities.

DISA IDIQ Contract Scope

In addition to operations research services, DISA said Monday the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract awarded by the agency’s Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization-National Capital Region also covers advanced scenario modeling and systems assessment support.

Under the IDIQ contract, Johns Hopkins APL will provide all Department of Defense Fourth Estate Agencies and field activities and U.S. combatant commands with engineering support and other capabilities to help them validate concepts and deploy field-ready systems.

According to the release, the government also benefits from APL’s cyber resilience tools, real-time operational analytics, autonomous systems and decision optimization capabilities, which could help improve battlefield readiness.

The DISA Acquisitions Enterprise Licensing Agreement Program Management Office is the program manager for the IDIQ contract, which seeks to reduce acquisition timelines to rapidly respond to warfighter requirements.

In 2019, DISA awarded APL a $245 million contract for research, development and engineering services.

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Victoria Porto Named CISA Deputy Chief Financial Officer
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CISA Deputy CFO Victoria Porto. Victoria Porto has been appointed deputy chief financial officer at CISA.

Victoria Porto announced on LinkedIn Thursday that she has been named deputy chief financial officer at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Victoria Porto Named CISA Deputy Chief Financial Officer

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In this capacity, Porto will leverage her over 20 years of federal leadership experience to oversee financial management, bolster operational efficiency and ensure resource alignment to support CISA’s objective of safeguarding critical infrastructure. She is tasked with enhancing transparency and enabling data-driven planning across the agency’s divisions to support national security priorities.

Who Is Victoria Porto?

Porto is a seasoned Senior Executive Service leader with the Department of Homeland Security for most of her career. She most recently served as senior counselor to the director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and acting chief of the civil rights equal employment opportunity office.

She was executive director for various offices, including readiness operations and programs. The executive served as chief of verification, deputy chief of the office of performance and quality, and branch chief of the immigrant investor program office.

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