WASHINGTON — Navigation is emerging as a growing challenge for spacecraft operating beyond Earth orbit, where GPS coverage weakens. Northrop Grumman is adapting technologies developed for the James Webb Space Telescope into a smaller navigation system aimed at mid-size satellites.

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Sandra Erwin writes about 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...