Leveraging Commercial Space Systems for National Security: A Report from the Defense Science Board Report
The Defense Science Board (DSB) has issued a report on the integration and application of commercial space technology for national security. This research, commissioned by the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, examines how the Department of Defense (DoD) might best employ commercial space capabilities to achieve its goals while mitigating risks. The report's findings and suggestions have ramifications and prospects for federal government contractors, underlining commercial space's expanding role in defense operations.
Commercial space systems have grown quickly, because of significant investments and developments from private enterprises. This sector, which was previously dominated by government programs, currently has a market value of around $447 billion, with predictions topping $1 trillion over the next decade. SpaceX and other companies have transformed access to space by lowering launch costs and providing a wide range of services such as earth observation and satellite communications. These improvements provide a critical opportunity for the Department of Defense to integrate commercial space assets into a hybrid national security architecture.
The DSB study underlines the importance of developing a comprehensive framework for integrating existing and projected commercial capabilities into national security space systems. This method ensures that commercial innovations are seamlessly integrated into DoD operations, hence increasing overall mission resiliency. The report advises developing a prototype for integrated commercial Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of such integration.
The report's major finding is that commercial capabilities play an important role in supporting robust hybrid systems. Historical and current use cases, such as the integration of commercial satellite communications (SATCOM) for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's (NGA) use of commercial geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) products, demonstrate the importance of commercial space systems in military operations. The current conflict in Ukraine emphasizes the necessity of commercial satellite imaging and constant surveillance, both of which have proven invaluable in modern combat.
To effectively use commercial space capabilities, the paper recommends using flexible acquisition models that are consistent with commercial procedures. One such concept is the U.S. Transportation Command's Commercial Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF), in which commercial airlines dedicate a portion of their fleet to national security emergencies. For space, this might entail long-term service contracts that ensure high availability and surge capacity, allowing the DoD to rely on private services during crises.
Integrating commercial space systems presents a number of obstacles. The research finds various impediments, including bureaucratic lethargy, security concerns, and a mismatch between DoD acquisition methods and commercial business models. For example, the DoD's preference for acquiring SATCOM transponders over managed services impedes the effective utilization of commercial capabilities. Addressing these impediments would necessitate a cultural transformation within the DoD that embraces commercial efficiencies and fosters more collaboration with business.
Security and resilience are critical in the utilization of commercial space systems. The report advocates for rewarding trust and resilience in commercial providers by including resilience requirements in contracts and sharing threat intelligence. Creating a "market" for premium resilience services and encouraging technology transfer for cyber defense might improve the security of commercial systems, making them more resistant to adversary assaults.
The global character of commercial space creates both opportunities and risks. While the openness of the commercial space market promotes innovation and accessibility, it also exposes systems to possible adversarial exploitation. The DSB report advises creating capabilities to monitor, assess, and respond to adversaries' use of commercial space capabilities, ensuring that the DoD can limit risks while maintaining operational supremacy.
Finally, the government's participation in the commercial space industry is multidimensional. As a regulator, investor, and customer, the government must strike a balance between promoting market expansion and inhibiting innovation or creating monopolies. The research emphasizes the necessity of avoiding overregulation, engaging in market creation, and limiting specific requirements when acquiring commercial services. These measures will contribute to the long-term viability of a thriving commercial space industry capable of meeting changing national security requirements.