Share April 27, 2021 DARPA has commissioned Lockheed Martin and Blue Origin to design an operational spacecraft at the same time as an orbital demonstrator. Credit: DARPA A nebulously named “Deterrence Layer” is on the drawing board for the National Defense Space Architecture, and that could mean the return of a functioning U.S.-operated, nuclear-powered satellite in orbit by 2025 for the first time in 60 years. The need for the Deterrence Layer may depend on what... DARPA Embarks On Quest To Revive Nuclear Space Propulsion is part of Aviation Week Network's complimentary online access. Register now to read this content, plus receive complimentary access to articles from our experts in the global aerospace, air transport, mro, defense and space and business aviation communities.