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Xenith Solutions Secures Position on Missile Defense Agency SHIELD Contract, Advancing Role in National Missile Defense Modernization

Friday, December 26th, 2025

LEESBURG, Va., Dec. 22, 2025 — Xenith Solutions, a mission-driven government contractor supporting national defense and homeland security priorities, today announced it has been selected as an awardee under the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) multiple-award contract vehicle.

The SHIELD contract establishes a long-term acquisition framework to accelerate the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced layered homeland missile defense capabilities. Through this vehicle, Xenith Solutions will compete for task orders supporting research and development, systems engineering, prototyping, experimentation, modernization, and sustainment efforts, including the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled technologies where appropriate.

SHIELD supports the administration’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative and is structured to enable rapid innovation and scalable execution across geographically distributed mission environments. Work performed under the contract may occur nationwide, with an ordering period that could extend through December 2035 if all options are exercised.

“Being selected for the SHIELD contract vehicle meaningfully expands Xenith’s role in the missile defense ecosystem and accelerates our progression into larger, more complex mission environments,” said Lee Shabe, Chief Executive Officer of Xenith Solutions. “This award positions Xenith to compete, scale, and deliver across high-impact defense programs where speed, integration, and mission outcomes matter most. We see SHIELD as a platform for sustained growth and long-term partnership with the Missile Defense Agency.”

“SHIELD represents the type of opportunity which supports Xenith’s evolution into a recognized mid-tier defense partner where deep mission understanding, technical rigor, and speed of execution matter,” stated Mark Coleman, Chief Growth Officer at Xenith Solutions. “Our growth strategy is focused on delivering differentiated, cutting-edge solutions that solve our customers’ most complex challenges, not just responding to requirements. This contract vehicle positions Xenith to scale thoughtfully while continuing to lead with innovation and mission outcomes.”

Participation in SHIELD aligns with Xenith’s broader growth strategy to deepen its presence across the defense market while scaling delivery capabilities in enterprise IT, cybersecurity, data engineering, and systems integration. The award further reinforces the company’s ability to support mission owners with agile, resilient solutions designed to meet evolving threat landscapes and operational demands.

www.xenithsolutions.com

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TacJobs – Applications Open for Army MOS 40D Space Operations Specialist

Wednesday, December 24th, 2025

The initial window for Soldiers to apply for the Army’s newest military occupational specialty (MOS), 40D – Space Operations Specialist, is open.

Soldiers can opt-into the selection board from now until April 30, 2026. HRC will publish a MILPER message in January 2026 to provide guidance on the application process and way forward for transition to 40D. You can also find specific details at the 40D SharePoint site linked below. All questions on the upcoming MILPER and transition to 40D can be answered by visiting the 40D – Space Operations Specialist (CAC required) information page, or reaching out to 40d@army.mil.

spr.ly/6044CXzow

Posted in Army, Space, TacJobs | 2 Comments »

Aechelon Integrates Vantor’s 3D Operational Terrain into Project Orbion SkyBeam to Enhance ICEYE’s Space-Based SAR AI Capabilities

Monday, December 8th, 2025

Partnership demonstrates ability to transform 24/7, all-weather SAR data into high-fidelity 3D synthetic environments to support time-sensitive missions

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Dec. 1, 2025 — Aechelon Technology, Inc. (“Aechelon”), the leading provider of advanced geospatial and visual simulation solutions, today announced the successful proof-of-concept integration of Vantor’s 3D operational terrain into Aechelon’s Project Orbion.

This collaboration allows Aechelon to transform ICEYE’s high-resolution space-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery into high-fidelity, physics-accurate 3D terrain visualizations. The capability will be demonstrated interactively at I/ITSEC 2025 in Orlando, Florida.

Through this partnership, Aechelon’s SkyBeam™ AI exploitation system visually fuses ICEYE’s SAR detections of changes and objects on the ground with Vantor’s highly accurate, global-scale 3D spatial foundation—which is updated continuously to reflect the operational terrain—to create a mission-ready synthetic environment. This integration unlocks 24/7, all-weather updates to Project Orbion’s living 3D environment.

“Aechelon and Vantor have sustained a decades-long partnership—we’ve been continuously integrating Vantor’s high-resolution imagery and advanced 3D data into our products and delivering them at scale across a range of defense programs,” said Nacho Sanz-Pastor, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aechelon Technology Inc. “This marks the first integration of Vantor’s software-enabled spatial intelligence capabilities with Project Orbion, expanding the roster of industry leaders we’ve brought together to advance next-generation geospatial intelligence.”

Vantor’s 3D spatial foundation includes 3D terrain and 3D building footprints covering over 95% of Earth’s landmass and is accurate to within 3 meters in all dimensions. It is kept continuously up to date by Vantor’s industry-leading imaging satellite constellation—which can revisit the same location on Earth up to 15 times per day—and is delivered to the SkyBeam environment via Vantor’s Tensorglobe™ spatial intelligence platform.

Project Orbion represents the industry’s first AI-enabled Digital Twin of the Earth—a continuously updated, sensor-fused 3D environment that integrates satellite imagery, radar intelligence, photogrammetry, and real-time detections into a single exploitable picture.

The proof of concept highlights Aechelon’s open AI exploitation environment capable of fusing heterogeneous geospatial sources. The system uses Aechelon’s AI algorithms to extract detailed 3D vegetation and process Vantor building footprints for 3D models. Aechelon’s dynamic moving models then correlate ICEYE SAR detections, transforming them into precise, real-time 3D representations against a fused, high-fidelity terrain backdrop.

Aechelon AI also enhances Vantor imagery and elevation data through machine learning–based environmental modeling, including real-time snow accumulation synchronized with ICEYE SAR satellite passes, further refining the visual fidelity and elevation accuracy.

Aechelon’s overall system is enabling operators to interactively visualize moving targets and new structures or others changes with high accuracy.

Together, Aechelon, Vantor, ICEYE, and Project Orbion advance Aechelon’s mission to deliver next-generation geospatial intelligence—providing U.S. and allied forces with correlated, high-fidelity, mission-ready synthetic environments. Beyond defense, the initiative supports disaster response, emergency management, and autonomous AI system training.

Built on Aechelon’s SkyBeam™ platform, Project Orbion represents the future of Aechelon’s global, continuously updated, sensor-fused geospatial ecosystem. The live demonstration at I/ITSEC 2025 will showcase the quality of the fused 3D environments.

For more details on Project Orbion’s rapid update capabilities, visit aechelon.com/solutions/project-orbion.

Posted in AI / ML, Press Release, Sensors, Space | Comments Off on Aechelon Integrates Vantor’s 3D Operational Terrain into Project Orbion SkyBeam to Enhance ICEYE’s Space-Based SAR AI Capabilities

US Space Force Establishes Combat Forces Command, Welcomes New FLDCOM Commander

Monday, December 1st, 2025

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) —

In a ceremony held at Peterson Space Force Base, Nov. 3, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzmanofficially redesignated Space Operations Command as United States Space Force Combat Forces Command, marking a significant shift in the command’s focus toward enhanced combat readiness and integrated space defense.

Lt. Gen. Gregory Gagnon assumed command of the newly renamed CFC, succeeding Lt. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr., the SpOC commander.

The redesignation reflects the command’s commitment to aligning with its core purpose of forging combat-ready Space Forces for America and its allies, and with the evolution of the United States Space Force as a warfighting service.

“As we continue to evolve into the warfighting service that the joint force and the nation demands, Combat Forces Command stands ready to generate and present combat-ready units of action, providing combat-credible space solutions to the joint force’s toughest operational problems,” Saltzman said.

The change builds upon the Space Force’s strategic vision for deterring aggression, fighting and winning in the space domain. CFC is responsible for generating and presenting combat-ready intelligence, cyber, space and combat support forces.

During the ceremony, Miller and Chief Master Sgt. Michael Rozneck, CFC senior enlisted leader, furled the former SpOC command flag, symbolizing the inactivation of SpOC and transference of its legacy to CFC. Later in the ceremony, Gagnon and Rozneck unfurled the CFC command flag for the first time.

“Our power is our people. You are our most important weapon system in Combat Forces Command,” said Gagnon in his first address to the Guardians and Airmen of CFC. “You are, in fact, power. Space power.”

CFC will focus on generating and presenting combat-ready units of action, maturing the Space Force generation model, strengthening Mission Deltas, and elevating combat-focused training and qualifications across the force. It will empower leaders at every level and integrate multiple mission sets into cohesive combat squadrons, while treating installations as warfighting platforms.

The command’s vision is for America’s Space Warfighters to be “Always Ready, Always Innovative, Always Above.”

“In this command, we believe in the mission, and we believe in each other,” Miller said. In his parting words, Miller expressed his confidence that Gagnon would take the command to greater heights.

Saltzman and Gagnon both acknowledged the heritage of the organizations that came before CFC. The command has a long history, beginning in its early days as Air Force Space Command and later becoming SpOC in October 2020. CFC comprises approximately 12,000 Guardians, Airmen and civilian personnel across 11 Deltas, 82 squadrons and 25 units of action.

The redesignation comes shortly before the sixth anniversary of the Space Force, which will occur in December 2025.

The ceremony concluded with a pass in review, during which members of CFC’s Deltas marched, demonstrating teamwork and unity.

Gagnon closed his remarks with, “Chapter Two begins like this: although protect and defend is necessary, it is insufficient to win in war. We must protect, defend and attack — Combat Forces Command, let’s roll!”

The mission of CFC is to protect America and its allies in, from, and to space… now and into the future.

By 1st Lt Laura Anderson

U.S. Space Force Combat Forces Command Public Affairs

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CMSSF Unveils World-Class Master Sergeant Framework

Sunday, October 5th, 2025

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) —

The Space Force is charting a new course for enlisted development, focusing on building “World-Class Master Sergeants” to lead the way. During a recent address at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference, Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna outlined a new framework aimed at strengthening leadership and expertise at the core of the service.

Bentivegna emphasized that the future of space operations hinges on empowering exceptional leaders. “Our focus is at the tactical and operational levels, ensuring that our master sergeants are fully prepared to lead across critical mission areas,” he stated.

Master sergeants, with support from senior enlisted, will drive mission execution and foster the development of technical sergeants, sergeants, and specialists. In this model, the Space Force is reimagining the Master Sergeant rank, positioning it not merely as a step within the senior noncommissioned officer tier, but as the pinnacle of enlisted service – a role that embodies mission-focused leadership.

“If we focus on developing the right master sergeants … we’ll naturally have the right talent to create E-8s and E-9s,” Bentivegna explained. “There is a need for meaningful and challenging training to build a strong and cohesive team for the future of the Space Force.”

A key element of this vision is a rigorous training pipeline. The Space Force will implement a demanding Basic Military Training program, designed to push trainees to their limits. Successfully completing this initial training will result in promotion from E-1 to E-2, signaling their readiness. Subsequent specialized skills training will be equally selective, with successful completion resulting in promotion to E-3, demonstrating warfighting competence.

Following specialty training, Guardians transition to operational roles, undergoing qualification training. Certification by their local squadron commander signifies their “combat-mission ready” status, leading to a promotion to E-4. This commitment to combat readiness is a cornerstone of the new framework.

The Space Force is also embracing a “fully-qualified promotion” model. Historically, promotion to E-5 involved sending records of eligible Guardians to a board where each record is scored and only a set percentage are promoted based on merit.

Bentivegna emphasized that promotions shouldn’t be based on competition against others, but on meeting established standards. “Guardians who demonstrate competence through training, experience, and acceptance of greater responsibility will be rewarded through promotion.”

This model focuses on proving skills and preparedness, rather than competing for a limited number of promotions. This year marks a shift toward this model. A 100% opportunity was offered for eligible E-4s to advance to E-5 by meeting established standards rather than being compared against their peers.

Looking ahead, the Space Force aims to further empower commanders. In 2026, the service plans to delegate promotion authority for E-5s to tactical-level commanders, rewarding Guardians for their ability to learn and prove their skills. This initiative emphasizes warfighting competence and proven skills over competition for limited promotion slots.

Master sergeants will be central to the Space Force’s culture of mentorship and leadership. They will lead diverse teams comprised of officers, enlisted, and civilians, managing resources, executing critical missions, and mentoring the next generation of leaders to shape the force’s future success.

As Bentivegna said, “We need Guardian who are subject matter experts, but we also need them to teach, to train, to mentor. So, there is no saying, ‘I will be a technical subject matter expert, I want to do operations, I don’t want to lead.’ There is no such thing, We all lead at our levels. We all have influence over others.”

This framework underscores the Space Force’s commitment to developing highly skilled and effective enlisted leaders. By implementing demanding training programs, modernizing the promotion system, and emphasizing operational excellence, the Space Force seeks to empower its master sergeants to lead and develop the next generation of Guardians, ensuring readiness for future challenges in the space domain.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

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US Space Force Releases New Human Performance and Readiness Manual

Monday, September 29th, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The U.S. Space Force released its first Space Force Manual 36-2905, Human Performance and Readiness, which establishes clear, mission-focused standards to optimize Guardian fitness and readiness.

All Guardians are now required to complete a Human Performance Assessment once a year if they are enrolled in the Continuous Fitness Assessment Personalized Readiness Integrated Through Monitoring and Engagement study and twice per year if they are not. The HPA measures muscular strength, muscular endurance and cardiorespiratory fitness on an 80-point scale. Guardians must earn a composite score of 60 or higher to be considered physically ready. One of the HPAs must include a 2-mile run.

To implement the manual, squadrons will establish Unit Fitness Cells staffed by Guardian Resilience Teams. Unit commanders and UFCs will ensure all Guardians complete an initial HPA between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2026. Physical fitness testing will not be required before Jan. 1, 2026, to allow time for UFCs to be established and Guardians to prepare.

“The Space Force human performance standards are mission-driven and tailored to the unique physical and cognitive demands of our Guardians,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. “The manual reflects our commitment to investing in Guardian health, resilience, and long-term performance, and ensures we’re ready to thrive and win in the most demanding operational environments.”

The manual incorporates human performance standards within the Space Force’s Holistic Health Approach, a science-based model that emphasizes Total Force Fitness across eight domains: physical, financial, spiritual, preventive care, environmental, nutritional, psychological and social. This supports the Secretary of the Air Force’s Culture of Fitness initiative and aligns with the Under Secretary of the Air Force’s efforts to enhance fitness and readiness.

“The Human Performance and Readiness Manual directly supports our commitment to emphasize the Guardian Experience and to execute our mission to deter threats and control the space domain,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna. “Our ability to maintain space superiority hinges on the readiness and resilience of our Guardians, who are our most valuable advantage … our Human Weapon System. This manual equips them with the standards and resources necessary to meet the unique physical and cognitive demands of modern space warfare, ensuring they are always prepared to safeguard our nation’s interests.”

The manual retains the existing Space Force body composition program without changes.

SPFMAN 36-2905 reflects the Space Force’s commitment to developing warfighters capable of meeting the demands of modern space warfare through a technology-enabled, persistent readiness system.

View the SPFMAN 36-2905 here.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

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Space Force to Accept Air Force Reserve Volunteers for Part-Time Positions

Sunday, September 7th, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

Air Force Reservists in space-related career fields interested in volunteering to join the U.S. Space Force as Guardians serving in a part-time capacity can apply from Sept. 3 to Oct. 10.

This transfer option is part of the Space Force Personnel Management Act, which was signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. The first phase of PMA, which selected Air Force Reservists for full time Space Force roles, was completed June 2025.

When fully implemented, PMA will enable the Space Force to create a new model of service that integrates active-component Guardians and Air Force Reservists serving in space-focused career fields into a unified service that offers both full- and part-time service options. This new construct will permit the Space Force to forego the use of Reserve component forces to fill steady-state, full-time requirements and will maximize talent alignment to service needs.

“This part-time opportunity is an important next step toward fully integrating the talent we need into a single component, best equipped to ensure readiness and achieve our nation’s warfighting missions,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman.

Air Force Reserve eligibility includes:

· Air Force Reserve Officers who hold the following Core IDs: 13S; 17X; 14N; 6X.

· Air Force Reserve Enlisted Airmen who hold the following Control Air Force Specialty Codes: 1C6X1; 1N0; 1N1; 1N2; 1N3; 1N4; 1N8; 1D7X1; 1D7X2; 1D7X3.

· Eligibility outside of 13S and 1C6 must have space experience. The Transfer Board will review duty history to ensure at least one prior assignment in a space organization is reflected.

· Eligible service members must be fully trained in the career field in which they are applying.

Selected Airmen must transfer in their current career field, with the following exceptions: Officers selected from the 61X, 64P, and 65X career fields will re-core to 62E or 63A Space Force Specialty Codes. Enlisted E-8s and E-9s selected for transfer will re-core to the 5Z800 or 5Z900 SFSCs.

“The Space Force is about to integrate some of the most professional space operators,” said Chief of the Air Force Reserve and Air Force Reserve Command Commander Lt. Gen. John Healy. “I have no doubt they will be key to advancing security in the space domain.”

In time, the Air Force Reserve, like the Air Force, will no longer maintain space operations as career fields, meaning Reservists with 13S and 1C6 specialties must volunteer to transfer to the Space Force or re-train under a different Air Force Specialty Code.

Officers selected for transfer to part time duty positions incur a minimum three-year service commitment. Enlisted Airmen must enlist in the Space Force for a minimum of three years, maximum six years.

Air Force Reservists who transfer into the Space Force with 15-18 years satisfactory service will be allowed to remain in a part-time work role until they qualify for retirement. Once retirement eligible, the member must participate in the Guardian Assignment Timeline for a full time or part time work role. These members may elect to participate in the GAT at any time for a full-time work role prior to retirement.

Interested Air Force Reservists can apply via MyVector (Common Access Card-required) and can access additional application details and requirements on the Space Force Transfer page. It is important to note that the Air Force Reservist to part-time Space Force transfer opportunity is distinct and separate from the Air National Guard to full-time Space Force transfer opportunity.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

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US Army to Begin Recruiting for Space Operations Specialist MOS

Friday, August 8th, 2025

Announced in early May, a new Army enlisted military occupational specialty, 40D, Space Operations Specialist is set to begin recruiting serving Soldiers for around 900 positions. The new MOS is a nonaccessions MOS and only available to those in grades E4-E9.

Soldiers interested in transitioning to MOS 40D must have a minimum of two years of prior service in another MOS and the ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

Creation of the MOS was needed as the Army continues to increase its reliance of space-based assets. Currently, the Army currently has commissioned officers in functional area 40A as its permanent space cadre and this move will help round out the force and increase tactical and technical expertise as the service enables its vision to support multidomain operations. In particular, the Army updating space doctrine and developing its counter-space capability by fielding new EW systems.

“Establishing the Space Operations MOS is a zero-growth effort,” said Command Sgt. Maj. John Foley, US Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC). “A space enlisted MOS will help stabilize career progression and retention for Soldiers and NCOs who temporarily leave their current MOSs for three years to support space operations.”

They will learn all aspects of space operations and global missile defense, thereby becoming the best possible senior enlisted advisors.

Personnel previously “loaned” to the space community will transition back to air defense, signal, and intelligence units, but the manpower authorizations will convert to space operations for accessions open to every MOS in the Army.

The new MOS is expected to become formalized in October of 2026. In the meantime, Soldiers will attend Initial Qualification Training and Additional Skill Identifier 3Y.

A Soldier with 18th Space Company, 1st Space Brigade, operates a miniaturized tactical space system in a small tactical vehicle guarded by a British Army Special Operations Brigade soldier during Project Convergence Capstone 4 experimentation at White Sands Missile Range, Feb. 28, 2024. (US Army photo by Brooke Nevins)

Meanwhile, the Army plans to deactivate two space control companies in the 1st Space Brigade and simultaneously activate two space control companies in the planned Theater Strike Effects Groups, the first of which will be embedded with Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) in October, 2027. As far as enabling systems go, the Army has fielded five of the Tactical Integrated Ground Suite Version 2 (TIGS V2) which are manportable electronic attack systems. TIGS V2 was developed based upon the Broadband Advanced Ground Radio (BAdGR) effort by SMDC.

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