Story perspectives

BAE and Lockheed Enhance Agile Satellites for Space Operations

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin are expanding investments in maneuverable satellites to support dynamic space operations.
At the Space Symposium, BAE Systems unveiled the Ascent spacecraft, a refuelable, orbit-moving platform with a 2027 launch planned.
Lockheed Martin outlined its Next-Generation Space Dominance program, including NGSD Vanguard and NGSD Sentinel for autonomous maneuvering.
The developments respond to China and Russia and highlight the need for agile satellites.

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Story summary

BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin are expanding investments in maneuverable satellites to support dynamic space operations.
At the Space Symposium, BAE Systems unveiled the Ascent spacecraft, a refuelable, orbit-moving platform with a 2027 launch planned.
Lockheed Martin outlined its Next-Generation Space Dominance program, including NGSD Vanguard and NGSD Sentinel for autonomous maneuvering.
The developments respond to China and Russia and highlight the need for agile satellites.