Author Archive

Tara Copp

Senior Pentagon Reporter, Defense One

Tara Copp
Tara Copp is senior Pentagon correspondent for Defense One. Copp has reported through the Middle East, Asia and Europe to cover defense policy and its impact on the lives of service members. Her investigative reporting on military aviation accidents and on skyrocketing veteran cancer rates drove Congressional hearings and legislation. Before returning to journalism, she worked as a senior defense analyst at the U.S. Government Accountability Office, focused on readiness and military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is a Plan II graduate of the University of Texas and earned her masters in Security Studies at Georgetown University.
Emerging Tech

If War Comes to Space, Who Will Control US Spy Satellites?

U.S. intelligence and military are speeding new sensors to space. They are still working on details of who’s ultimately in charge during a conflict.

Emerging Tech

Biden Picks Next Space Force Chief

If confirmed, the missileer and satellite operator would become the newest service’s second leader.

People

Biden picks next Space Force chief

If confirmed, the missileer and satellite operator would become the newest service’s second leader.

Emerging Tech

DIA Warns China’s Space Tech Seeks to Block U.S. Radars, Jam Munitions

Beijing’s rapid acquisition of counter-space capabilities is most worrisome, says a new 80-page Defense Intelligence Agency report.

Emerging Tech

Space Force Gets Roughly 40% Increase in Biden Request

A constellation of satellites will track ground vehicles, improve launch trajectories, and better nuclear command-and-control.

Exclusive Digital Government

Inside the Air Force Chief’s Mission for Racial Equity

“There's still a lot to do,’ said Gen. C.Q. Brown, ‘...we didn't get here overnight, we're not gonna get out of here overnight.”

Emerging Tech

Military Pilots’ DNA May Hold Key to What’s Causing Their Prostate Cancers

Radars, magnetrons, and other toxic exposures may leave unique signatures on aviators’ cells, giving researchers the first evidence of cause.

Policy

After 20 Years of Civilian Drone Strike Deaths, the Pentagon Creates An Office to Stop More

The military keeps repeating mistakes and is not ready for future fights because the lessons learned have not been instilled throughout the DOD, an independent review found.

Emerging Tech

Will Space Force Protect Orbiting Gas Stations and Bases on the Moon?

As U.S. companies venture farther from Earth, whether the newest service will protect them remains under discussion.

Emerging Tech

Army Creates Single Vaccine Against All COVID and SARS Variants, Researchers Say

Within weeks, Walter Reed researchers expect to announce that human trials show success against Omicron—and even future strains.

Exclusive People

Army Creates Single Vaccine Against All COVID & SARS Variants, Researchers Say

Within weeks, Walter Reed researchers expect to announce that human trials show success against Omicron—and even future strains.

Digital Government

SecDef Warns Against Over-Hyping Recent Chinese Weapons Tests

The defense secretary also pushed for deeper ties between the Pentagon and technology firms.

Digital Government

Pentagon Outlines Role for New UFO Office

Defense leaders want to make sure they can spot and track “phenomena” trespassing over training ranges.

Emerging Tech

Spacesuits and Lawsuits Put 2024 Moon Landing in Jeopardy

Two lunar-exploration spacesuits won’t be ready, a new report says, while bid protests have held up work on the lander.

Digital Government

Wildfires Are So Dangerous Now that the National Guard Prepares for Them Like Hurricanes

For West Coast units, there’s no wildfire season anymore. ‘It’s really a fire year now,’ top general says.

Emerging Tech

Another Free-Falling Chinese Rocket Body Hit Earth Last Week

China continues to burn all the fuel in its launches, allowing the used-up rockets to fall back to Earth uncontrolled.