Space: –
The United States’ space superiority is being challenged by the pacing threats of China and Russia. Both countries understand the United States’ economic dependence on space and the degree to which American military advantages rely on space-based assets. They have, in turn, developed capabilities and strategies to deny use of these advantages in the event of conflict. At the same time, a revolution is underway in the commercial space industry that has led to an explosion of new companies, capabilities, and business models that are democratizing access to space and rapidly increasing the opportunities available to the U.S., our allies, and partners.
To meet these challenges and take advantage of these new opportunities, the 2022 Eisenhower School Space Industry Study (SPC-IS) recommends that the U.S. Government (USG) redouble its strategy to develop and deliver new concepts and capabilities for “speed to the need.” This calls for creating a more agile USG space enterprise to rapidly increase industry capacity, promote intra- and intergovernmental collaboration, and develop human capital potential. It will also require breaking down legacy stovepipes and unresponsive acquisition processes. Another key element involves transforming cooperation with allies and with the private sector, especially by leveraging rapidly developing commercial capabilities.
Specific recommendations related to this strategy are presented along three broad Lines of Effort (LOEs). LOE #1 centers on DoD leveraging a “space as a service” model to rapidly add commercial space capabilities, as well as establishing a Joint Interagency Task Force to better coordinate USG efforts. Classification guidelines also need revision to successfully increase cooperation and collaboration. LOE #2 outlines approaches to achieve speed and resilience by leveraging allies’ and partners’ capabilities. This is underpinned by investing in open-source sharing, augmented by reformed export controls. LOE #3 presents innovative approaches to strengthen the civilian and military space workforce.
Read the report →