Orlando, Florida – The U.S. Space Force’s Commercial Space Office, established last spring, has been actively engaging with industry and working to provide off-the-shelf military capabilities and services. The office oversees the SpaceWERX initiative, the Space Systems Command’s Front Door, and a Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve. The initiative to work with commercial industry was prompted by official’s desire to strengthen the Space Force’s partnership with private sector businesses.
Colonel Richard Kniseley, head of the Commercial Space Office, discussed the office’s accomplishments and priorities for 2024 during the Space Mobility Conference in Orlando. Initiatives to engage with industry have seen success, including the establishment of a Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve and the meeting of over 200 industry representatives through the SSC Front Door.
Among the efforts for implementation, a $900 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for Commercial Satellite Communications was awarded to 20 different vendors covering various mission areas, not just commercial SATCOM. The Space Force looks to continue a busy year in 2024 with many upcoming plans. Additionally, more providers are being added to the Proliferated Low Earth Orbit contractor pool, further enhancing the Space Force’s partnerships.
The Space Mobility Conference, focused heavily on space-servicing, saw industry representatives with servicing, mobility, and logistics capabilities engaging with the Front Door. Companies have been assessed for their maturity and investment opportunities, with a focus on the government being one customer among many.
The impending commercial space strategy looks to strengthen Space Force’s position and better integrate with commercial sectors. A signal will be sent to industry about areas of importance to the government, without prioritizing them. Following the strategy, there will be implementation plans released to further flesh out its details. The framework for the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve was approved last fall, and the office is now working with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the National Space Council on a threat-sharing model.
