Exoatmospheric Operations Escalation?

There seems to be an inordinate amount of discussion lately about quick access to space.

Chilton: U.S. Needs More Ready to Launch Satellites

Notice the flight schedules in the link below: Omaha (STRATCOM), Sacramento (Aerojet), Baltimore (Orbital Sciences), Seattle (Boeing/Aerojet) and San Antonio (Kelly AFB).

Future Classified Transport

And an interesting launch event.

China Lake Witness Sees Mystery Launch

With possible motivation?

China's Other ASAT

Perhaps a re-spin of a wing-assisted TSTO platform like the L-1011/Pegasus or the White Knight/SpaceShipOne combination. May be why space is needed over the hill?

New Large Hangar

Read this earlier in the day, thought it would be of interest on this subject somewhat:
Robot space elevator