In October 2023, the U.S. Space Force expanded its Commercial Integration Cell by adding five companies, with plans to onboard two more in the coming months. This expansion will increase the total number of participating firms from 10 to 17.
The newly added companies include BlackSky, Kratos, LeoLabs, ICEYE, and Telesat. Additionally, Hawkeye 360 and Exoanalytic have agreed to join but have not yet been officially inducted as members.
Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, who is the commander of both U.S. Space Forces-Space and the Combined Joint Force Space Component, stated that the growth of the Commercial Integration Cell is indicative of a broader push to enhance partnerships with the private sector. He emphasized the Space Force’s commitment to improving its engagement with commercial entities during a Mitchell Institute webinar.
Established as a pilot program in 2015, the Commercial Integration Cell was designed to assist space operators in identifying and resolving satellite anomalies in orbit while contributing to the development of more resilient space capabilities. An example of its importance arose during the early stages of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when a member company provided crucial real-time data to help protect U.S. assets during a cyberattack on a commercial space firm.
Members of the Commercial Integration Cell operate under contractual agreements that grant them insight into the Space Force’s operational needs. This allows them to supply data, imagery, and various capabilities in response to those needs. The inclusion of the new companies will enhance the services offered, particularly in areas like intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and space domain awareness tools.
The integration cell also participates in exercises and experiments, which help inform operational tactics and procedures. While Schiess expressed interest in further expanding the cell, he noted that current manpower constraints limit its growth. He remarked, “I don’t see a limit on the ability to bring on companies, it’s just how do we manage that.”
The article is reported by Courtney Albon, a space and emerging technology reporter for C4ISRNET, who has been covering military affairs since 2012, with a focus on the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.
