Sandra Erwin
Sandra Erwin is a seasoned journalist who specializes in covering military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. She has spent nearly two decades as editor of NDIA's National Defense Magazine and Pentagon correspondent for Real Clear Defense. Her work has been featured in SpaceNews where she writes about various topics related to military space activities, policies and technologies. She is well-versed in the field and provides unique insights into the world of military space.
Biography:
https://spacenews.com/author/sandra-erwin/
72%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
90%
Examples:
- However, there is a possibility of some dog-whistling and wild conspiracy theories mentioned in one of the articles.
- Sandra Erwin appears to have a neutral reporting style with no clear biases in her writing.
Conflicts of Interest
60%
Examples:
- However, one article mentions the WSF-M satellite which has a microwave imager instrument to collect weather data. This could potentially be seen as a conflict of interest, but it is not explicitly stated.
- There is no clear conflict of interest detected in Sandra Erwin's reporting.
Contradictions
85%
Examples:
- Another contradiction can be found in an article where it mentions that Russian troops have obtained Starlink terminals despite US sanctions, poses a serious threat to Ukraine, Russia may have improved its ability to interfere with Starlink signal using more powerful and precise jammers.
- In one article, it was mentioned that the Space Coast had a record-breaking 72 orbital launches take flight last year. This contradicts itself as it is not related to any specific topic or fact in the other articles.
Deceptions
60%
Examples:
- Another article mentions that end of an era: Delta 4 Heavy soars one last time. This statement could be considered slightly deceptive as it implies the end of an entire era when in fact, only the Delta 4 Heavy's final launch was taking place.
- In one article, the author mentions that AI is transforming the satellite imaging industry but clarifies that it's not magic. This could be seen as a slight deception.
Recent Articles
Blue Origin Secures First National Security Satellite Launch Contract, Competing with SpaceX and ULA for Up to $5.6 Billion in Business
Broke On: Thursday, 13 June 2024The Department of Defense has selected SpaceX, Blue Origin, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) to compete for national security satellite launches worth up to $5.6 billion over the next decade. This marks Blue Origin's first time being chosen for sensitive national security missions. At least 30 launches are anticipated between the three providers over the initial five-year period, with one launch per quarter expected. Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, eligible for these contracts, is projected to attempt its first orbital flight later this year. ULA and SpaceX have previously competed for national security launches under NSSL Phase 2. The selection process received seven offers. 
Russian Forces' Illicit Acquisition of Starlink Terminals: An Ongoing Threat to Ukraine's Military Communications
Broke On: Wednesday, 01 May 2024Russian forces illegally acquire Starlink terminals in Ukraine, disrupting the Ukrainian military's use of the satellite-based broadband system. The Pentagon and SpaceX collaborate to identify and turn off these terminals, but Russia continues purchasing more. Starlink is a critical resource for Ukraine's military communication, intelligence gathering, and drone strikes. Disruptions pose a significant threat to Ukraine's frontline connectivity and outmaneuvering capabilities. 
SpaceX's Falcon 9 Launches Classified Payloads for NRO: Fifth Mission, Sixteenth Recovery
Broke On: Wednesday, 22 May 2024SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launched classified payloads for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on May 22, 2024, marking the fifth collaboration between the two entities and the fifteenth flight for this booster. The NRO aims to quadruple its spacecraft in orbit using smaller satellites for faster intelligence delivery through its proliferated architecture strategy. SpaceX's reusable rockets have reduced spaceflight costs, enabling more frequent launches. 
SpaceX's Falcon 9 Launches First Two Maxar-Satellites of WorldView Legion Fleet, Marking a Milestone for Maxar
Broke On: Thursday, 02 May 2024SpaceX launched the first two of Maxar's six-satellite WorldView Legion fleet, Maxar-1 and Maxar-2, from Vandenberg Space Force Base on May 2, 2024. The Falcon 9 rocket completed its record-breaking 20th reuse and landing. Each satellite carries high-resolution cameras capable of capturing precise images with a resolution of 30 centimeters, tripling Maxar's imagery capacity. Delays in development and manufacturing due to supply chain challenges and pandemic-related issues preceded the launch. 
Delta IV Heavy Completes Final Mission for National Reconnaissance Office
Broke On: Saturday, 13 April 2024The Delta IV Heavy rocket, developed by McDonnell Douglas and now owned by Boeing, completed its final mission for the National Reconnaissance Office on April 9th from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The NROL-70 satellite was successfully deployed into orbit after a liftoff of three common core boosters strapped together, with an initial phase completed under seven minutes and the outer boosters separating about four minutes after launch. ULA is planning to transition away from legacy vehicles like Delta IV Heavy to its next-generation Vulcan Centaur rocket powered by Blue Origin's BE-4 engines. 
SpaceX Launches Next Generation Satellite for Military Weather Intelligence
Broke On: Thursday, 11 April 2024SpaceX successfully launched the USSF-62 mission on April 11 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellite provides critical weather intelligence to military operations and operates in a low polar orbit, collecting data including ocean surface wind speed, ice thickness, snow depth, soil moisture and local space weather.