50 SMT007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2025
MIL/AERO007
Boeing-Built X-37B Spaceplane Set for
Eighth Mission ⊲
The mission will host demonstrations of high-band-
width inter-satellite laser communications technologies,
as well as the highest performing quantum inertial
sensor ever tested in space. The U.S. Space Force
will leverage insights from this mission to inform
future space architectures.
NASA to Preview Advanced US-India
Radar Mission Ahead of Launch ⊲
The NISAR satellite, a collaboration between
NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation,
will provide a three-dimensional view of Earth in
unprecedented detail.
RTX's Blue Canyon Technologies
Announces New, Larger Spacecraft ⊲
The Saturn-400, a new, larger satellite offers flexi-
bility and reliability to help customers achieve their
mission objectives more effectively. The spacecraft
offers increased payload capacity, allowing for more
instruments and larger sensors for complex missions—
up to 600 kg—depending on the launch vehicle.
Hyliion Awarded U.S. Navy Contract to
Advance Multi-Unit KARNO Power Module ⊲
Hyliion's KARNO Power Module is a linear generator
powered by heat rather than combustion. Its exter-
nal heat generation architecture, enabled by addi-
tive manufacturing, is designed to support operation
on more than 20 fuel types and produce electricity
with high efficiency, low maintenance requirements,
and minimal acoustic and thermal signatures—
making it well-suited for naval applications.
RTX's Raytheon Introduces Advanced
Targeting System for U.S. Navy
Helicopters ⊲
Raytheon's newest Multispectral Targeting System
variant, MTS-A HD, is a next-generation variant that
delivers improved targeting precision, imaging
clarity, and expanded operational flexibility for naval
helicopter platforms. Raytheon is collaborating with
industry and commercial partners on the new variant
to accelerate production and reduce system costs.
Defense Speak Interpreted: JADC2—Why
It's More Relevant Than Ever in Drone
Warfare ⊲
When I first published this column in 2020, the Joint
All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) was
hot news in defense circles, but when was the last
time you heard about it? You're probably thinking,
"There goes another defense program that fell by
the wayside." However, that's not true. As JADC2
continues to develop, the need for rapid communi-
cation between soldiers, sensors, radars, comput-
ers, and weapon systems is greater than ever.
Lockheed Martin Revolutionizes Maritime
Surveillance with AI-Powered Technology ⊲
In a recent flight test on the west coast of the
United States, Lockheed Martin engineering teams
successfully demonstrated technology to automat-
ically recognize targets using an AI-powered Syn-
thetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with embedded sensor
control autonomy.
Rolls-Royce Increases U.S. Manufacturing
Capabilities in South Carolina ⊲
The $75M investment will increase machining
capabilities and grow the facility's footprint, creat-
ing 60 new jobs in the United States with a total of
434 full-time positions at the facility.
L3Harris, ELT Group to Establish Multi-
Sensor Test Facility in Italy ⊲
This collaboration marks the first time an Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) test and
calibration facility of this type will be available out-
side of the United States. L3Harris and ELT Group
will work together to create an in-country center of
excellence for the Italian military and allied nations.
New Frontier Aerospace and Air Force
Institute of Technology Sign CRADA to
Advance Hypersonic VTOL Aircraft ⊲
The collaboration focuses on creating a compre-
hensive aerodynamic database to optimize the
structural design, aerothermal performance, and
control systems of NFA's Pathfinder hypersonic
VTOL aircraft.
