The U.S. Space Force is actively seeking commercial capabilities for space domain awareness that could be integrated into a future constellation. This initiative was confirmed by Major General Stephen Purdy, the acting space acquisition executive, during a recent event at the Washington Space Business Roundtable, held in Washington, D.C.
In 2023, the Space Force reached out to the industry for concepts focused on satellites and sensors capable of tracking activities and objects in space from a geosynchronous orbit, approximately 22,000 miles above Earth. Currently, the Space Force operates the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP), which includes existing sensing systems in geosynchronous orbit. The new satellites being considered would be smaller, potentially refuelable, and more cost-effective than current systems.
Purdy indicated that the Space Force’s acquisition team is tasked with analyzing industry responses regarding available capabilities, price points, and potential delivery timelines. Space domain awareness is a crucial priority for both the Space Force and U.S. Space Command, which seeks enhanced monitoring and response capabilities against potential threats in space.
Purdy noted there is considerable international interest in the space domain awareness constellation being developed by the Space Force. He pointed out the challenge of incorporating more commercial companies and international allies into a classified system, suggesting a possible division of the GSSAP mission to allow unclassified functions to be conducted by external partners.
The Space Force is also exploring similar approaches across various mission areas to reduce timelines and costs for securing necessary capabilities. Purdy mentioned plans to issue acquisition decision memorandums (ADMs) for numerous other programs, including satellite communication systems.
This effort aims to shift away from the traditional model of technology refresh cycles lasting five years or longer, which he considers inadequate in the face of rapidly evolving industry advancements. While some analyses may yield no significant alterations to existing programs, the acquisition community’s goal is to present viable options.
Purdy acknowledged that while many high-cost systems arise due to essential requirements, it is critical for the Space Force to evaluate whether new commercial opportunities represent worthwhile trade-offs. He also cited the Space Development Agency’s two-year technology refresh cycle as a model the Space Force aims to emulate more broadly, particularly within Space Systems Command, its primary acquisition hub.
In conclusion, Purdy’s initiative is designed to transition the Space Force into a model leveraging proliferated architectures instead of relying solely on large, one-off billion-dollar systems. This strategic shift emphasizes the importance of engaging with the commercial market and accelerating technological integration.
Courtney Albon, a journalist focused on the U.S. military, has covered topics related to the Air Force and Space Force since 2012, concentrating on significant acquisition, budget, and policy challenges within the defense sector.
