52 SMT007 MAGAZINE I JULY 2026
MIL/AERO007
Rocket Lab Acquires Motiv Space
Systems, Adding Mars-Proven Robotics
Capabilities ⊲
Motiv, now rebranded as Rocket Lab Robotics, brings
mission-tested Mars heritage and is renowned for
its advanced multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arms,
actuators, and drive electronics that have enabled
some of the most ambitious planetary exploration
missions in history, including NASA's Mars Persever-
ance rover, the CADRE lunar rovers, and precision
mechanisms supporting critical scientific instruments
and spacecraft subsystems.
Lockheed Martin Delivers First
Integrated Combat System Baseline
for the U.S. Navy ⊲
ICS-enabled baselines combine heritage combat
system capability with modern infrastructure,
driving rapid proliferation of capability through a
singular development effort at scale.
BAE Systems Delivers Next-Generation
Flight Hardware for U.S. Space Force
Missile Warning Program ⊲
BAE Systems has delivered the sensor subassem-
bly and sensor system controller components for
the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared
Polar (NGP) program. The program will provide
the U.S. Space Force with advanced missile warn-
ing, technical intelligence, and battlespace char-
acterization mission capabilities.
NASA's INCUS Mission on Road to
Launch, Study Storms From Space ⊲
Teams working on NASA's INCUS (Investigation
of Convective Updrafts) mission, the first space-
based survey of the dynamics of tropical convec-
tive storms, have completed assembly and tested
two of the mission's small satellites, or SmallSats.
Testing continues on the third SmallSat and is
scheduled for completion no earlier than Septem-
ber in advance of a 2027 launch.
Northrop Grumman to Demonstrate
Space-Based Interceptor Capabilities
with Apex for U.S. Space Force ⊲
Northrop Grumman Corporation announced one
of its industry collaborators, Apex, will support
Northrop Grumman's leading role in the Nation's
historic drive to make space-based interceptors
(SBI) a reality by the end of the decade.
Boeing Validates MQ-28 Stealth
Performance ⊲
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is designed to complement
existing crewed aircraft by performing a variety of
roles, including surveillance, electronic warfare,
and force multiplication, all while maintaining a
low radar profile. This milestone further demon-
strates the platform's maturity, survivability, and
ability to deliver cost-effective advanced capabil-
ity for modern air combat operations.
Webinar Review: Europe Moving to
Strengthen Defence Industrial Base ⊲
Europe is seeking to establish a more sovereign,
coordinated, and resilient defence industrial
base. Electronics manufacturers and PCB-related
companies will have an opportunity to apply for
funding through the program to support specific
defence systems by supplying critical enabling
components.
Teledyne Space Imaging Sensors
Launch Aboard European Space
Agency's SMILE Mission ⊲
Teledyne Space Imaging supplied two CCD370
imaging sensors for the Soft X-ray Imager on the
European Space Agency's SMILE mission (Solar
wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer).
SMILE is a scientific collaboration designed to
advance understanding of space weather and the
interaction between the Sun and Earth.
Intuitive Machines Expands Integrated
Space-to-Ground Network with Goon-
hilly Acquisition ⊲
Supporting long-term lunar operations requires
a resilient, secure space network that keeps
missions connected in real time and provides
access to ultra-low-latency communications, navi-
gation and timing, and mission data.
