The chief of the U.S. Space Force announced on February 13 that the service's eagerly awaited strategy for collaborating with private space companies is in its concluding stages and currently undergoing coordination with the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Anticipation has been high within the space industry as companies seek clearer insights into how they can vie for future contracts amidst the evolving landscape of the Space Force.
Last year, Gen. Chance Saltzman, head of the Space Force, disclosed efforts to formulate a blueprint guiding the integration of commercial satellite services into military operations, with the objective of harnessing private sector innovation to update existing systems.
Addressing reporters at the Air & Space Forces Association's Warfare Conference in Aurora, Colorado, Saltzman remarked that the commercial space strategy is nearing completion. However, he tempered expectations by stating, “I'm hesitant to say imminent because I think I've said that too many times.” He attributed the latest delay to coordination with the Pentagon's space policy office, which is concurrently developing a commercial space strategy.
Saltzman has previously expressed dissatisfaction with early drafts of the strategy, citing a lack of specific guidance on outsourcing services to the private sector. He emphasized the need for the document to be more “actionable.”
Industry stakeholders have underscored the importance of the Space Force articulating a vision and fostering opportunities for private firms investing in satellite and other systems catering to both commercial and government clientele.
Saltzman acknowledged ongoing interactions with industry and the incorporation of feedback into the strategy to ensure its utility for industry participants.
At the AFA conference on February 12, the Department of the Air Force introduced initiatives aimed at reshaping the Air Force and Space Force to focus on strategic competition with China. Among these initiatives is the establishment of a “Space Futures Command,” which Saltzman highlighted as requiring collaboration with the commercial space sector.
“We absolutely are going to leverage industry in the Futures Command,” he affirmed, noting the potential for industry insights to inform operational concepts and address challenges faced by the military.
Saltzman emphasized plans for industry involvement in war games and tabletop exercises, fostering collaboration and early engagement in the process. “They'll know what our challenges are. They'll know what our needs are,” he concluded.
Photo: U.S. Air Force