US defense firms unveil maneuverable satellites geared for orbital warfare

In Colorado Springs, U.S. defense giants BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin are racing to develop cutting-edge satellite technologies tailored for dynamic space operations. Amidst rising concerns about contested orbital zones, these firms disclosed ambitious plans to field spacecraft capable of maneuvering, refueling, and coordinating in real time—pioneering capabilities that redefine space as a contested domain. BAE Systems introduced its Ascent platform, a satellite boasting a payload capacity of