Sirotin Intelligence Briefing: July 7-12, 2025: NASA Faces Historic Staff Exodus as 2,100 Senior Positions Threatened, Space Force Awards Boeing $2.8B for Nuclear Command Satellites While Seeking $6B for Classified MILNET Program

This week's space intelligence analysis reveals devastating workforce cuts threatening NASA's core capabilities as Trump's FY26 budget proposal could eliminate 2,100 senior positions across the agency, with Kennedy Space Center alone losing 311 specialized staff. The Space Force counters civil space decline with massive military investments, awarding Boeing $2.8 billion for next-generation nuclear command satellites while requesting $6 billion in unfunded priorities dominated by the classified SpaceX-led MILNET constellation. Strategic priorities shift dramatically as the Air Force seeks $10 billion extra focusing on munitions production to double JASSM/LRASM output and expand AMRAAM capabilities. Meanwhile, biotech pioneer LambdaVision warns that cutting ISS access would cripple medical breakthroughs as the company advances retinal implants through nine space missions. Pentagon contracts surge with CFM International securing $2.85 billion for engine supplies and multiple contractors sharing $15 billion for worldwide construction. As NASA faces its smallest budget since 1961, the stark divergence emerges: civil space confronts existential threats while military space capabilities expand exponentially to counter adversaries in the new orbital battleground.

🛡️ Defense Highlights

• Space Force Selects Boeing for $2.8B Nuclear Command Satellite Program: Boeing has defeated Northrop Grumman to secure a $2.8 billion contract for the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) program, delivering the first two satellites with options for two additional spacecraft. The ESS constellation will replace the nuclear mission of the current AEHF system, providing secure, jam-resistant communications across multiple orbits with enhanced Arctic coverage. Work is expected through 2033, with initial operational capability targeted for 2032 as part of the Pentagon's comprehensive NC3 modernization effort.
• Air Force and Space Force Submit Record $16B Unfunded Priorities Lists: The services have requested unprecedented additional funding for FY26, with the Air Force seeking $10 billion and Space Force $6 billion - dramatic increases from last year's $3.5 billion and $1.15 billion respectively. The Air Force prioritizes $4.15 billion for munitions production including AMRAAM, JATM, ARRW hypersonic missiles, and APKWS II laser-guided rockets. The Space Force's request is dominated by $4.2 billion for the classified MILNET Block II satellites and launches, suggesting significant program advancement.
• CFM International Wins $2.85B Engine Supply Contract: The Defense Logistics Agency awarded CFM International a maximum $2.85 billion firm-fixed-price contract for F108 engine supplies supporting Air Force and Navy operations. The four-year base contract with a five-year option runs through October 2029, ensuring critical propulsion support for military aircraft fleets.
• Air Force Awards $15B for Global Construction Services: Eleven contractors will compete for a ceiling $15 billion indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Air Force Civil Engineering Center construction services worldwide. The 10-year contract covers design-build, sustainment, repair, modernization, military construction, and demolition projects across all global locations.
• Space Command Doubles Classified Funding Request to $2.5B: U.S. Space Command seeks $2.5 billion for FY26 unfunded priorities, doubling last year's $1.2 billion request. The entire contents remain classified or controlled unclassified information, highlighting sensitive capability gaps requiring urgent attention.
• Navy Awards $297M for Guam Housing Replacement: Global Pacific Design Builders won a $297 million contract to design and construct replacement housing units at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, with completion expected by December 2028, reflecting strategic pivot to Pacific infrastructure.
• Rolls-Royce Secures $54.7M for Navy Hovercraft Engines: The company received a firm-fixed-price modification for 12 MT7 turboshaft engines supporting the Ship to Shore Connector program's Landing Craft Air Cushion 100 class craft.

🌐 Policy, Geopolitical & Legal Developments

• NASA Workforce Decimation Threatens Agency's Future: Trump's proposed 2026 budget could force 2,145 senior NASA employees to accept early retirement, buyouts, or deferred resignations, representing the most severe workforce reduction in the agency's history. The cuts target critical GS-13 to GS-15 positions with specialized skills across all major centers: Goddard (607), Johnson (366), NASA HQ (307), Kennedy (311), Langley (281), Marshall (279), and Glenn (191). If Congress approves, NASA would operate with its smallest inflation-adjusted budget since Alan Shepard's 1961 suborbital flight.
• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Assumes Interim NASA Leadership: President Trump has designated Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to serve as interim NASA administrator while awaiting permanent nominee confirmation. The appointment comes amid unprecedented budget pressure and potential cancellation of Artemis missions that could trigger thousands of additional layoffs impacting local economies and tourism.
• LambdaVision Champions Space Station Research Continuity: In a SpaceNews op-ed, LambdaVision co-founder Nicole Wagner warns against cutting space-enabled medical research funding. The biotech firm has conducted nine ISS investigations developing retinal implants for retinitis pigmentosa patients, demonstrating how microgravity research drives medical breakthroughs while establishing sustainable business models for future commercial space stations.
• Europe's Busiest Port Reserves Space for NATO Ships Amid Russia Threat: Rotterdam Port has allocated dedicated berthing areas for NATO naval vessels as the alliance strengthens maritime defenses against potential Russian aggression, reflecting growing concerns about infrastructure security and the militarization of commercial shipping lanes.
• Senate Spending Bill Supporting NASA Science Stalled Over FBI HQ Dispute: A bipartisan Senate appropriations bill that would reject Trump's proposed 47% cuts to NASA science and maintain funding at $7.3 billion is held up due to disagreement over FBI headquarters location. The bill would provide NASA with $24.9 billion total, slightly above FY25 levels, but remains in limbo after committee recess.
• Industry Coalition Fights to Save Space Traffic Control Program: Seven aerospace associations representing 450+ companies urge Congress to reject Trump's plan to eliminate NOAA's Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS), warning that killing the $65 million program just as it enters operation would endanger satellites and drive business overseas.

🛰️ Technology & Commercial Developments

• Classified MILNET Constellation Emerges as Space Force Priority: The Space Force's unfunded priorities reveal $4.2 billion requested for the SpaceX-led MILNET satellite communications program, including $3.53 billion for Block II development and $687 million for launches. The government-owned, contractor-operated constellation of hundreds of satellites may replace the Space Development Agency's transport layer program, marking a potential shift in LEO communications strategy.
• Nuclear Command Architecture Undergoes $12B Modernization: The ESS program represents one element of a comprehensive $12 billion space segment modernization for strategic communications. Boeing's innovative system design addresses evolving space threats while ensuring presidential connectivity to nuclear forces. The phased approach enables rapid constellation proliferation across multiple orbits.
• Munitions Production Surge Targets 2030 Capabilities: The Air Force's $4.15 billion munitions request aims to double JASSM/LRASM production from 1,100 to 2,200 rounds annually by FY30 while expanding AMRAAM output to 2,400 rounds by FY28. The investment includes securing second engine sources and addressing component obsolescence to sustain long-term production rates.
• Lockheed Martin Advances Aegis Guam System: The Missile Defense Agency awarded Lockheed Martin an $8.9 million modification for Aegis Guam System caretaker requirements, including initial checks, operator training, cybersecurity, and software development for Multi Vertical Launch System Launcher Farm capabilities.
• Major Construction Contracts Support Global Military Infrastructure: Recent awards include $95 million for Fairchild Air Force Base construction support, $249 million for architect-engineering services in Seattle, and $15 million for Arnold Air Force Base engineering requirements, reflecting sustained investment in military facility modernization.
• PLD Space Selected for ESA's €169M European Launcher Challenge: Spanish rocket company PLD Space has been preselected by ESA to participate in the European Launcher Challenge, positioning its MIURA 5 orbital launcher and future MIURA Next reusable rocket to address Europe's institutional launch needs. The initiative involves 397 partners across Spain and Europe, with final selection at ESA's November ministerial conference.
• China Demonstrates Advanced Orbital Warfare Capabilities: The Space Force revealed that Chinese satellites conducted synchronized "dogfighting" maneuvers in 2024, involving three Shiyan-24C experimental satellites and two Shijian-6 05A/B spacecraft performing complex proximity operations in low Earth orbit. Gen. Michael Guetlein warned the capability gap between the US and adversaries has "significantly narrowed" as China practices tactics for satellite-on-satellite operations.
• Chinese Scientists Propose 2033 Neptune Mission: Researchers from CNSA and CAS have proposed a nuclear-powered Neptune orbiter launching in 2033, utilizing a flyby of Jupiter to arrive at Neptune in 2049. The mission would deploy atmospheric probes and Triton penetrators while demonstrating China's advancing deep space capabilities with nuclear fission power technology.
• China Deploys AI-Powered Satellites for Military Advantage: Bloomberg reports China is deploying a network of 2,800 AI-enabled satellites operating as orbital data centers, enhancing military surveillance and targeting capabilities. The complete Jilin-1 constellation of 138 satellites planned by 2025 will provide persistent Earth monitoring with AI-enhanced imaging resistant to anti-satellite countermeasures.
• European Launcher Challenge Selects Five Contenders: ESA has chosen Isar Aerospace (Germany), MaiaSpace (France), PLD Space (Spain), RFA (Germany), and Orbex (Scotland) to compete for up to €169 million each in the European Launcher Challenge. The companies will vie for launch service contracts between 2026-2030 and must demonstrate upgraded capabilities including reusability to help restore Europe's autonomous access to space following years of SpaceX dependence.
• Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Discovered: The ATLAS telescope in Chile detected the third known interstellar visitor to our Solar System on July 1. Designated 3I/ATLAS or C/2025 N1, the comet originated from the direction of Sagittarius and is currently 420 million miles from Earth. NASA confirms the comet poses no threat and will remain visible through ground telescopes until September before reappearing in December 2025.
• ISAM Technology Could Transform Space Operations: GAO's technology assessment highlights In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) as potentially revolutionary for extending satellite lives, enabling debris removal, and facilitating construction of large structures in space. The technology could shift from current "single use" satellites to maintainable assets, though development faces challenges in cost-benefit analysis and technical implementation.
• OKI Introduces 100-Meter Flexible Circuits for Space: Japan's OKI Electric Cable launches production of ultra-long flexible printed circuits (FPCs) reaching up to 100 meters, targeting low-volume space technology applications. The lightweight, radiation-resistant circuits support equipment miniaturization and can be delivered from single prototype lots, aiming for 50 million yen revenue by fiscal 2026.
• Canada-Cyprus Space Partnership Established: CCC signed an MoU with Cyprus's Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence to promote bilateral collaboration in space technology and Earth observation. The partnership leverages Canada's government-to-government contracting expertise to create opportunities for Canadian exporters in satellite technology and space-based training solutions across the Eastern Mediterranean region.
• ESA Opens €169M Call for Coastal Climate Resilience: The European Space Agency launched a funding initiative for space-based technologies protecting coastal regions from climate change impacts. Open until October 31, 2025, the program seeks commercially viable solutions using satellite Earth observation, GNSS, and digital twin technology to address threats facing Europe's 200 million coastal residents who generate 40% of the continent's GDP.
• Chinese Experimental Satellite Appears in Unprecedented Orbit: A Shiyan-28B satellite launched July 3 has appeared in a low-inclination orbit never before used by China, raising questions about its mission after a week-long detection delay. The satellite is officially designated for space environment exploration and technology tests.
• NASA Considers Cargo-Only Flight for Next Starliner Mission: NASA officials say there's a "strong chance" Boeing's next Starliner test flight will be uncrewed, focusing on cargo delivery while fixes continue for thruster and helium leak issues. The mission, potentially delayed to early 2026, would test revised systems in a lower-risk environment before resuming crewed flights.
• James Webb Space Telescope Celebrates Third Anniversary: NASA released stunning images of the Cat's Paw Nebula captured by Webb's NIRCam, revealing never-before-seen structural details of massive young stars carving away at nearby gas and dust, demonstrating the telescope's continued revolutionary impact on astronomy.
• Firefly Aerospace Files for IPO: The rocket company submitted S-1 documents to the SEC on July 11, revealing $176.9 million in cash but $173.6 million in debt. With $1.1 billion in backlogged orders and partnerships with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, Firefly aims to list on Nasdaq under ticker $FLY despite operating at a $231.1 million net loss in 2024.

💭 A Word From Christophe Bosquillon

The USSF published its "U.S. Space Force International Partnership Strategy (June 2025)." It aims at operationalizing "Strength Through Partnerships" by aligning allied and partner nations within US space efforts across all strategic levels. 

 The Ends (Enduring Goals), are to secure U.S. and allied interests, communicate to ensure interoperability and information sharing, and integrate allies across Force Design (5–15 years), Development (2–7 years), and Employment (0–3 years). The Ways (Lines of Effort) are to create (embed allies in early-stage Force Design), integrate (align Force Development), and operate (joint training, embed personnel, combined operational planning and exercises).

Means or implementation mechanisms assign specific leads (Space Futures Command, STARCOM). They streamline integration of allied tech and personnel and shared protocols. An actionable plan will follow, tracked by the Assistant Chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnerships (ACSO/FCP). Institutional reforms include embedding foreign officers and aligning classification standards.

The strategy identifies resource constraints: personnel, budget, and time are limited for the USSF and allies. Overclassification limiting intelligence sharing is a concern. Policy misalignment and lack of straitforward national policies could hinder cooperation. A GAO report cautions on allies challenges such as organisational bottlenecks and interoperability risks.

But strategy meets reality: the USSF already seeks $6B for its own unfunded priorities such as its nascent MILNET satellite constellation and various classified projects. Meanwhile, China appears eager to beat the USSF to the punch of space refuelling, hence criticality of the USSF-Astroscale refuelling deal. Europe and Japan remain in the process of developing foundational space-based surveillance and defense assets. 

Partnerships abound: Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS); hosting payloads on Allied systems such as Norway's Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) and Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS aka Michibiki); providing Satellite Communications (SATCOM) to NATO; Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) with the UK and Australia; and Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) cell for training, techniques, procedures and operations using commercial space domain awareness data with allies and partners. 

Organisational issues matter. However, partnerships need to further evolve from support functions to offensive space warfare assets, which should form the backbone of any counterspace capabilities.

Have a great space week ahead!

🎤 Our Next Guest: Victoria Samson

Thursday, July 17th – Victoria Samson on Why Space Is Not a "Warfighting Domain"

Chief Director of Space Security and Stability at Secure World Foundation Victoria Samson joins us to discuss her organization's groundbreaking Global Counterspace Threat Assessment, which tracks military space capabilities across twelve nations through open-source intelligence. After witnessing Chinese satellites performing what the Space Force called "dogfighting" maneuvers and growing concerns about Russia's potential nuclear anti-satellite weapon, Samson warns that inflammatory rhetoric could "speak ourselves into a conflict" that doesn't need to happen.

🔍 Topics Covered:

• Why the U.S. operates 8,900 of the world's 12,400 active satellites—and has the most to lose from space conflict
• How calling space a "warfighting domain" undermines American diplomatic efforts at the UN
• The truth behind China's satellite "dogfighting" and why the physics make that term misleading
• Russia's rumored nuclear ASAT weapon and why it would be an "end-of-days scenario"
• Why the Golden Dome's space-based interceptors could cost $540 billion and still fail
• The real flashpoints: GPS jamming, unannounced satellite approaches, and the coming lunar land rush
• How confidence-building measures from the Cold War could prevent orbital conflict
• The challenge of protecting dual-use commercial satellites like Starlink
• Why miscommunication between nuclear-armed rivals is her greatest fear

Don't miss this essential conversation with the analyst who transforms classified whispers into public knowledge, revealing why the greatest threat to space security might not be the weapons themselves—but the words we use to describe them.

📚 Essential Intel from Our Archives

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

"Our Adversaries Could Black Out America with a Signal"

David Tice, creator of "Grid Down, Power Up," discusses the existential threat posed by foreign-manufactured microchips embedded in America's critical infrastructure. Tice highlights how Chinese-made components, including transformers and inverters, may contain hidden backdoors or remote access points, making them potential tools for sabotage. 

"These Aren't Migrants. These Are Military Personnel"

A follow-up interview with Mike Swearingen uncovers alarming vulnerabilities in America's power grid. Swearingen details how Iranian and Chinese operatives, trained in advanced electrical and electronic systems, could exploit default passwords, unmonitored relays, and physical access to substations—especially those near the southern border.

"The Grid Is Already a Living System—We Just Don't Recognize It"

Power systems veteran Mike Swearingen explains why treating the power grid as a living, autonomous system isn't science fiction—it's an engineering reality we refuse to acknowledge, and how space-domain tactics can secure the grid of tomorrow.

"The Hidden Power Struggle Reshaping China: Xi Jinping's Dramatic Fall From Grace"

An investigation into China's internal power dynamics reveals how Xi Jinping's grip on power is weakening amid economic turmoil, military purges, and rising opposition within the Communist Party.

"I Patented a Space Airlock That Uses 6,000 Times Less Air"

NASA veteran Marc Cohen reveals his revolutionary Suitport design and four decades of challenging engineering orthodoxy, advocating for space habitats that prioritize human experience over forcing astronauts to adapt to machines.

"I Created a Language That Lets AI Think in 128 Dimensions"

Former corporate sales executive Chris McGinty reveals how his McGinty Equation unifies quantum mechanics with relativity through fractal geometry, creating Hyperfluid AI and revolutionary space-folding technologies now being adopted by NATO defense strategists.

"I'm on a Crusade to Expand the Domain of Life"

Space pioneer Rick Tumlinson reveals how he created the NewSpace movement, his work with Dr. Gerard K. O'Neill, and his 40-year mission to expand humanity beyond Earth through commercial space ventures.

"Space Law Is The First Domain Where Nations Agreed On Rules Before Having Practice" 

Military JAG-turned-attorney Trevor Hehn explains how Cold War-era space treaties meet modern commercial ventures, highlighting the challenges of resource utilization, dual-use technologies, and regulatory navigation for companies expanding beyond Earth's atmosphere.

"The Unprotected Power Grid Will Be Our Civilization's Death Warrant If We Don't Act"

Doug Ellsworth, Co-Director of the Secure the Grid Coalition, warns about America's vulnerability to electromagnetic pulse attacks and advocates for urgent power grid protection to prevent catastrophic infrastructure collapse.

"When AI Designs Components, They Sometimes Defy Textbook Engineering"

Space Force Lt. Colonel Thomas Nix reveals how 3D printing and AI are creating revolutionary spacecraft designs, with parts that are stronger and lighter than what human engineers could develop using traditional methods.

"The Gaps in Our Lunar Knowledge Are Enormous"

Extraterrestrial Mining Company Chief Scientist Dr. Ruby Patterson describes the urgent need for more lunar geological data before making commercial decisions, while offering a balanced view on helium-3 mining and advocating for inclusive international cooperation in cislunar space.

"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 and discusses the commercial revolution transforming space exploration.

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.