Space –
The establishment of the U.S. Space Force (USSF) marks a pivotal shift in space operations for the United States and is a clear recognition of the increasing strategic, economic, and national security significance of space. The rapid evolution of the commercial space industry, particularly In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM), presents opportunities for the USSF to leverage emerging capabilities to enhance U.S. and allied interests in space. Commercial ISAM capabilities, with their potential to extend the lifespan and expand the functionality of space assets, will be critical enablers of USSF space superiority missions vital to U.S. national security. The USSF must therefore prioritize investing with commercial firms to ensure the development of a mature and robust ISAM market, while also coordinating closely with allies, partners, and other U.S. government departments and agencies. By fostering the growth of the ISAM market, the USSF will reap long-term cost savings from broader commercial capabilities, enrich its relationships and burden sharing with U.S. allies and partners, and foster interagency cooperation to benefit American innovation and economic growth.
This report argues for the strategic necessity of integrating emerging commercial ISAM products and services with USSF capabilities. It begins with a discussion of the current strategic environment, highlighting how the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Russian Federation are challenging U.S. space superiority, and the variety of stakeholder interests related to the U.S. commercial space industry. It then evaluates recently released U.S. military commercial space strategies and the proposed FY2025 USSF budget. The following section highlights the importance of fostering the growth of new ISAM markets to enable the long-term success of the USSF’s commercial integration efforts.
The final section offers a series of policy recommendations to facilitate the findings of this report, including the adjustment of future USSF resource allocations to capture cost savings; seeding the ISAM market to stimulate competition, innovation, and long-term growth; the creation of a Space Investment Fund; and the use of matching grants and expanded public-private partnerships. This report also recommends the USSF coordinate with other U.S. government departments and agencies proactively to advocate for more robust domestic ISAM regulatory reform and the adoption of international legal frameworks and standards consistent with U.S. best practices. By embracing these strategies, the USSF can maintain its competitive edge in space, ensuring it remains at the forefront of technological innovation and strategic capability in an increasingly contested domain.
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