GovConJudicata Weekly Debrief (8/21–25)
This week's Weekly Debrief covers SpaceX's latest test-fire, DIU's request for rapid satellite launches, SPACECOM's plea to commercial industry, GAO to review base decision for SPACECOM, and AI and government websites.
Space
"SpaceX says it successfully test-fired the booster for its next Starship launch, although that liftoff may still be weeks away. SpaceX fired the Raptor engines in the Super Heavy booster designated Booster 9 in a static-fire test at its Starbase test site in Boca Chica, Texas, at approximately 1:35 p.m. Eastern Aug. 25. SpaceX said it conducted a “full duration” firing, which appeared to last about five to six seconds."
"The Space Force is expanding its effort to be able to launch a satellite into orbit on a moment’s notice. Along with the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit, USSF is asking industry in a new solicitation released Aug. 24 for the next capability in its “tactically responsive space” mission, dubbed Victus Haze. The goal: Combine ground stations, launch capabilities, and a satellite and be ready to launch on 24 hours’ notice, and mission-ready within 48 hours of reaching orbit."
"An official from U.S. Space Command’s division charged with identifying capability gaps and possible solutions is urging the commercial space industry to ignore apprehensions about working with the government and come forward with their emerging and original technologies."
GAO
"At the request of Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is likely to open yet another investigation into White House and Defense Department decision-making that led to President Joe Biden’s declaration last month that Space Command’s permanent headquarters will be in Colorado."
AI
"As artificial intelligence proliferates, so do concerns about AI-grown misinformation. AI systems like ChatGPT and other algorithms learn from the text and data that they’re fed. If the input data is bad, so it the output—thus the aphorism "garbage in; garbage out.'"
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