MuskCritique: he argues for neural-net and camera-based autonomous driving over LiDAR, noting Volvo’s LiDAR phase-out amid supplier issues and Luminar’s bankruptcy.

Musk floated the possibility of a future Starship catch by tower arms to enable higher cadence and reusability.

The SSC news release outlines its role and directs readers to visit ssc.spaceforce.mil and follow @USSF-SSC for updates.

SSC has not disclosed exact satellite counts or types for the two new launches and did not immediately respond to inquiries.

Col. Eric Zarybnisky emphasized the Phase 3 dual-lane approach’s speed and flexibility in delivering satellites to support warfighters.

Lane 1 aims to procure commercial-style launches quickly to reach easier orbits, carry lighter payloads, or support non-time-critical missions, with pre-qualified vendors competing for each launch.

SpaceX won two Space Force launch task orders totaling $1.6 billion to deploy 18 Falcon 9 launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base through the end of 2027, under the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 program.

Earlier in May, SpaceX secured additional contracts exceeding $6 billion to build satellites for Space Force sensing and communications, underscoring a multi-year push to modernize space-based capabilities.

The satellites are part of the Space Based Sensing and Targeting Portfolio, including the Space-Based Air Moving Target Indication program and the Space Data Network, both high-priority Space Force initiatives.

Musk has suggested humans could reach Mars within five to seven years, with Mars lander arrival predicted a few years earlier, a forecast that challenges NASA’s Moon-first stance.

SpaceX’s Starship 13th test flight sparked ongoing discussion, including debris seen in the Indian Ocean days after, plus new technical and Mars timeline details from Musk.

Blue Origin is investigating a New Glenn launchpad explosion, with the rocket grounded through year-end while issues are addressed.