The United States Space Force has begun examining the commercial market for new space domain awareness technologies that could be part of a future space constellation. The effort aligns with the strategic goals of the Space Force and U.S. Space Command, particularly those critical to tracking and responding to threats in space. The Space Force is looking toward new satellites that are low-cost, small, refuelable, and more flexible than current systems.
The Connection Between GSSAP and Commercial Solutions
The Space Force currently has satellites in geosynchronous orbit, 22.000 miles above Earth, that can monitor space activity and objects under the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP). However, with this new project, it is looking for lower-cost, commercial solutions. The company will evaluate responses from industry through a commercial analysis, Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy said at the Washington Space Business Roundtable in Washington, D.C. This analysis will take into account factors such as price points, lead times and readiness of existing technologies.
Increasing Commercial and International Interest
Purdy said the Space Force’s connection to the commercial market has also seen significant interest from international partners. In particular, the goal is to strengthen partnerships with U.S. allies and commercial companies. However, engaging commercial companies and international allies also presents challenges in working with stealth systems. Purdy said they are considering splitting the GSSAP mission so that non-stealthy functions can be performed by outside companies or foreign militaries.
Faster and Lower Cost Technology Acquisition
Purdy highlighted the Space Force’s efforts to acquire needed capabilities more quickly and at lower cost using commercial vehicles. This aims to change the Space Force’s habit of waiting five years or longer for technology refreshes. He noted that as industry innovates rapidly, the Space Force must adopt a more rapid acquisition process to keep pace.
High Cost Systems and Commercial Options
Purdy noted that some programs may not require major changes, especially when expensive and complex requirements align with what operators need. However, the Space Force has a responsibility to question “whether these new commercial options are a good trade-off compared to existing large systems.” This approach is seen as a step toward enabling the Space Force to adopt more flexible, faster and lower-cost solutions.
Modeling of the Space Development Agency
The Space Force plans to mimic the Space Development Agency’s strategy of developing a large constellation of small satellites. That agency shapes its acquisition strategy around a two-year technology refresh cycle. Purdy said the Space Force wants to implement that rapid-cycle model at the service’s main acquisition center, Space Systems Command.
“I specifically released these ADMs to get us out of one-off, multi-billion dollar systems and into pervasive architectures,” Purdy said, noting that the Space Force plans to move away from large, expensive systems and toward more flexible and accessible infrastructures over the long term.
The Space Force aims to acquire new technologies more quickly and at lower cost by working more closely with the commercial market. This strategy is seen as a critical step in enabling faster space innovation and a faster response to the changing threat environment. Additionally, a space domain awareness system strengthened by international collaboration and commercial solutions is critical to the success of future space missions.
