> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://newsletters.qs.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 🚀 Space and Defense #6 - URL: https://newsletters.qs.com/space-and-defense-6/ - Published: 2024-09-02T11:30:54.000Z - Updated: 2024-10-17T08:17:27.000Z - Description: HolonIQ's Space and Defense Newsletter covers the latest developments in military tech systems, missile defense systems, and space tech evolution. - Author: QS - Tags: Advanced Manufacturing **Happy Monday 👋** The Defense Information Systems Agency a[warded](https://www.satellitetoday.com/government-military/2024/08/23/viasat-wins-154m-contract-for-blue-force-tracker-2-engineering/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) Viasat a $153.5M contract to enhance the U.S. Army Blue Force Tracker-2 system. China [launched](https://defence-blog.com/china-deploys-its-answer-to-the-pac-3-interceptor/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) the HQ-9B missile system with improved interceptors, while the U.S. Navy [expanded](https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2024/us-navy-deploys-starlink-on-warships-to-enhance-global-connectivity?ref=newsletters.qs.com) fleet communications using Starlink satellites. The U.S. Air Force [introduced](https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2024/focus-how-mako-hypersonic-missile-will-change-f-22-f-35-air-attack?ref=newsletters.qs.com) hypersonic MAKO missiles for 5th-gen aircraft, the US Army [received](https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/08/27/us-army-eagls-counter-drone/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) EAGLS counter-drone systems and [secured](https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/08/27/us-amraam-missile-romanian/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) a $592M AMRAAM missile deal with Romania. Sierra Nevada Corporation received a [contract](https://breakingdefense.com/2024/08/snc-wins-army-contract-for-hades-spy-plane/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) for the HADES ISR program. In space tech, India [launched](https://yourstory.com/2024/08/spacezone-india-martin-group-launch-indias-first-hybrid-reusable-rocket-rhumi-1?ref=newsletters.qs.com) its first hybrid reusable rocket, Rhumi 1, Northrop Grumman [received](https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2024/space-force-taps-northrop-to-build-radar-in-uk-for-monitoring-deep-space?ref=newsletters.qs.com) $200M for UK space radar, and SpaceX [launched](https://www.sciencealert.com/historic-spacex-mission-set-to-break-ground-with-first-ever-civilian-spacewalk?ref=newsletters.qs.com) the Polaris Dawn mission, marking the first commercial spacewalk. ## **🛡ī¸** Military Tech Systems **đŸĻž The Defense Information Systems Agency awarded Viasat a $153.5M contract to support the U.S. Army Blue Force Tracker-2 system**. The contract includes a one-year base with four options, funded by fiscal 2024 Army funds, to [enhance](https://www.satellitetoday.com/government-military/2024/08/23/viasat-wins-154m-contract-for-blue-force-tracker-2-engineering/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) situational awareness and communications. **🚀 China launched an upgraded HQ-9B missile system with smaller, agile interceptors for enhanced air defense.** The HQ-9B, similar to the U.S. Patriot PAC-3, now includes eight smaller missiles per launcher, [improving](https://defence-blog.com/china-deploys-its-answer-to-the-pac-3-interceptor/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) target engagement efficiency and range. **🛰ī¸ The U.S. Navy enhanced fleet communications using commercial satellite constellations like Starlink.** SEA2, now expanding fleet-wide, [improves](https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2024/us-navy-deploys-starlink-on-warships-to-enhance-global-connectivity?ref=newsletters.qs.com) internet speed, security, and crew morale by leveraging low Earth orbit satellites, marking a major advancement in naval operations and connectivity. ## **⚔ī¸** Missile Defense Systems **🛩ī¸ The U.S. Air Force announced it will equip 5th-gen aircraft with hypersonic strike capabilities into MAKO missiles.** [Launched](https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2024/focus-how-mako-hypersonic-missile-will-change-f-22-f-35-air-attack?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in April 2024, MAKO travels at five times the speed of sound, offering rapid, precise strikes against air defenses and ships, matching China's YJ-21 in the hypersonic arms race. **🛡ī¸ MSI** [**delivered**](https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/08/27/us-army-eagls-counter-drone/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) **EAGLS counter-drone systems to the US Army and CENTCOM, while Romania** [**secured**](https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/08/27/us-amraam-missile-romanian/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) **a $592M sale of AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles for F-16s.** Both deals bolster defense against emerging threats and enhance NATO interoperability. **🧭 Sierra Nevada Corporation awarded U.S. Army contract for HADES ISR program, starting with $93.5M, up to $991.3M.** HADES will [modernize](https://breakingdefense.com/2024/08/snc-wins-army-contract-for-hades-spy-plane/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) Army aerial reconnaissance, enhancing speed, range, and deep sensing, replacing aging aircraft by 2030. ## **đŸĒ** Space Tech Evolution **🚀 India's first hybrid reusable rocket, Rhumi 1, launched by SpaceZone India and Martin Group, sets new benchmarks in space innovation.** Deployed three Cube satellites and 50 Pico satellites and safely returned in 7 minutes, marking a [significant](https://yourstory.com/2024/08/spacezone-india-martin-group-launch-indias-first-hybrid-reusable-rocket-rhumi-1?ref=newsletters.qs.com) leap in rapid space missions. **🛰ī¸ Northrop Grumman awarded $200M to build space radar in the UK, part of the DARC project enhancing Space Domain Awareness.** This U.S.-UK-Australia [initiative](https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2024/space-force-taps-northrop-to-build-radar-in-uk-for-monitoring-deep-space?ref=newsletters.qs.com) will provide 24/7 deep-space monitoring across three countries, addressing rising satellite and space debris challenges. **👨‍🚀 SpaceX launched an all-civilian Polaris Dawn mission on Tuesday, featuring the first commercial spacewalk.** Led by Jared Isaacman, the crew will reach 870 miles above Earth, test new EVA suits, and conduct experiments over six days, marking a [significant](https://www.sciencealert.com/historic-spacex-mission-set-to-break-ground-with-first-ever-civilian-spacewalk?ref=newsletters.qs.com) milestone in private space exploration. --- **Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!** Have some feedback or suggestions? Let us know at hello@holoniq.com [ ](https://newsletters.qs.com/psychedelic-mental-health-treatments-south-asia-health-tech-100-2/)