Sandra Erwin
Sandra Erwin is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience covering the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry. She currently writes about military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. Sandra has served as editor of NDIA's National Defense Magazine and Pentagon correspondent for Real Clear Defense. She has been reporting on these topics for almost two decades. Through her work, she keeps readers informed about critical developments in military space programs, providing insights into policy decisions, technological advancements and the companies that operate within this sector. Her articles often cover topics such as satellite launches, defense contracts and emerging space technologies. In addition to her writing, Sandra is active on Twitter where she shares her latest stories and industry news. In her most recent articles, Sandra has reported on topics such as GPS startups, defense and space contractors, nuclear command satellites, AI-driven intelligence contracts, solid rocket motor production and the proliferation of low Earth orbit satellite networks. She also covers Space Force initiatives and ICBM programs. Sandra's work can be found on the SpaceNews website where she regularly publishes articles. She can also be followed on Twitter for her latest updates.
71%
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:
- Sandra Erwin covers military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. She has covered the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry for nearly two decades as editor of NDIA's National Defense Magazine and Pentagon correspondent for Real Clear Defense.
Conflicts of Interest
67%
Examples:
- In one article, Sandra Erwin mentions $$ and dog-whistling which could be seen as a conflict of interest.
Contradictions
87%
Examples:
- In one article, it is mentioned that Delta IV Heavy launched NROL-70 at 12:53 p.m. Eastern from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station but in another article, the same launch time and location are repeated.
Deceptions
50%
Examples:
- In one article, it is mentioned that WSF-M has a microwave imager instrument to collect weather data including the measurement of ocean surface wind speed and direction, ice thickness, snow depth, soil moisture and local space weather. This information could be seen as misleading or deceptive.
Recent Articles
SpaceX Suffers Rare Setback: Liquid Oxygen Leak Causes Loss of 20 Starlink Satellites, FAA Reviews Return to Flight Operations
Broke On: Monday, 15 July 2024On July 11, 2024, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Starlink satellites suffered an unexpected liquid oxygen leak during launch, resulting in the loss of all 20 satellites. The FAA is reviewing SpaceX's request to resume launches while the cause of the anomaly is investigated. Despite this setback, SpaceX is confident in resolving the issue and implementing corrective measures to prevent future incidents. 
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.