The ax has become an important part of the Space Force’s arsenal

Space RCO is modeled on the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, whose programs include the X-37B spaceplane and the B-21 Raider strategic bomber. Anduril Industries, founded in 2017, will soon add space missions to its existing portfolio of missiles and drones. Credit: Stephen Clark/Ars Technica "A lot of what I do is not disclosable in the public until we make a shift, which the department is in process of," Hammett said. "We'll take the lead from this administration. ... We're, as a department and as a service, working through how can we talk about more of this stuff more publicly. But we don't have all that guidance in effect. So that can hamstring some of the conversations." The Space Force's greater openness and an appetite for cost-cutting are combining to imperil the grip of the nation's major defense contractors. If programs aren't as secret, space companies don't need the highest security clearances to bid on contracts. And many of these startups are backed by wealthy foun ... Read full article.