Space –
2020 Antonelli Award: Since 1957, the space domain has transitioned from a protected domain for peaceful exploration to the ultimate high ground for great power competition. While the U.S. is the world’s most capable space-faring nation, it is also the most dependent on space, especially for national security purposes. Recent nefarious actions of great power competitors reveal that U.S. assets in space are increasingly vulnerable as the space domain becomes more contested. The U.S.’s freedom to operate in space is a key element of national power. As such, the United States Space Force (USSF) was created in December 2019, to guarantee domain superiority in the event warfighting extends to the space domain, and to secure United States (U.S.) interests in space in the face of rising great power competition.
The paper begins by defining primary missions for the new USSF and legacy space organizations, focusing on the debate over how to prioritize the missions. This is followed by a gap analysis between mission and resource strategy, based on examination of available procurement and research budgets for the major U.S. military-related space organizations. An examination of industry status to meet the challenges associated with procuring mature and emerging technology required for military space missions. A discussion follows analyzing non materiel approaches to supporting the USSF mission, deterrence and burden sharing amongst allies, and space governance challenges. Finally, stakeholder issues are considered, including political and policy debates shaping resourcing alternatives.
The USSF’s top priority must be to achieve Domain Superiority. Subsequent priorities include support to the Joint fight, establish an architecture that is supportive of future Globally Integrated Operations, and continue critical support to the nuclear and intelligence missions. The USSF must communicate a clear, coherent, and prioritized mission strategy and strive for mission consolidation over time. The timing of the consolidation of sister-Service and Space Development Agency (SDA) capabilities is an area that requires an in-depth study to prevent the USSF from inadvertently accepting shortfalls in personnel or resources, or degrading the potential of technological innovation. The eventual consolidation of the USSF, intelligence community space, the SDA, and military space Service budgets and personnel will create long-term fiscal efficiency and transparency. Furthermore, comptroller and flattened acquisition authority should be under the authority of the USSF to avoid resistance to a traditionally complex approval process when procuring mature technology.
External to the Department of Defense, the USSF must work in close coordination with allies and partners to develop innovative methods to deal with and defend against emerging counterspace threats. Simultaneously, the USSF must work with inter-agency partners and commercial entities to ensure the growth of the space industry to maintain a strong National Security Space base.
The creation of the USSF put the nation on an upward trajectory for space dominance. Proactive measures to secure Domain Superiority will ensure freedom of operations in space and protect America’s national security far into the future.
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