Skip to content
Space technology — Commercial space

Commercial Space Capabilities and Market Analysis (RAND Corporation, 2022)

Commercial space sector's advancement in competence, spaciousness, and assorted offerings broadens the potential for the U.S. Space Force (USSF) and the U.S. Department of Defense to capitalize on these commercial space capabilities. This analysis examines commercial space abilities that could...

,   and  Administrator
2 min read
Commercial space sector's burgeoning power, potential, and variety opens up avenues for the U.S....
Commercial space sector's burgeoning power, potential, and variety opens up avenues for the U.S. Space Force (USSF) and the Department of Defense to capitalize on market offerings. This analysis spotlights space capabilities that could boost the USSF's future space infrastructure and innovation network. The authors depict commercial market scenarios up to mid-2020, showcasing trends and offerings within the sector.

Commercial Space Capabilities and Market Analysis (RAND Corporation, 2022)

Space Force and Department of Defense Team Up with Commercial Space Industry

Get ready for a new era in space exploration and defense as the U.S. Space Force (USSF) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) partner up with commercial space players. Here's what's cooking in the industry:

Commercial Space Capabilities for Space Force and DoD

  1. Range Modernization: The Space Systems Command (SSC) has handed a modernization contract to Jacobs Technology, Inc., to revamp the Eastern and Western Ranges into high-capacity, multi-user spaceports offering efficient operations, maintenance, and sustainment services. This change lets commercial launch providers order and pay for services, easing the government's financial burden[1].
  2. Commercial ISR Purchasing Power: The USSF and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) have put the brakes on a two-year dispute over roles and responsibilities, setting the stage for a stronger ability to use commercial space ISR capacities[4].
  3. Integration of Commercial Space into Military Operations: The USSF's Joint Commercial Operations cell is on a mission to incorporate commercial space capabilities into military operations, part of US Space Command's bid to up space security through partnerships with commercial entities[3].
  4. Dynamic Satellite Operations: The Joint Antenna Marketplace (JAM) program is advancing dynamic satellite operations by offering adaptive scheduling of satellite contacts and data transport workloads. This cloud-based system interlinks satellite operations centers with commercial and government-owned antennas, showcasing exceptional collaboration between the government and commercial industry[5].
  • Increased Commercialization: The USSF is leaning on commercial space capacities to beef up its operations and security posture, a trend fueled by the growing commercialization of space and the need for integrating these resources into military operations[2][3].
  • Expanded International Cooperation: The U.S. is spearheading allies and partners in extending space cooperation, integrating commercial space capacities into broader international initiatives[3].
  • Innovative Contracting Mechanisms: The use of Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and software acquisition pathways enable the USSF to make the most of commercial solutions in a streamlined and cost-effective way[5].

[1] Source: "Jacobs Modernizes Space Ranges" - SpaceNews[2] Source: "PhysOrg - Commercial space industry fuels growth of U.S. Space Force partnerships"[3] Source: "SpaceNews - U.S. Space Command Seeks Interoperability With Commercial Space"[4] Source: "U.S. Space Force and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Resolve Dispute Over Commercial Space Contracting Roles" - SpaceNews[5] Source: "U.S. Space Force and NASA launch collaboration initiative for cloud-based space system" - Aviation Today

  1. The space economy is poised for growth as the U.S. Space Force (USSF) partners with commercial space entities, leveraging their technology for dynamic satellite operations through the Joint Antenna Marketplace (JAM) program.
  2. The increasing commercialization of space technology has opened doors for investments in the new space industry, with the USSF focusing on streamlined and cost-effective contracting mechanisms like Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) to capitalize on commercial solutions.
  3. As the space technology landscape evolves, international cooperation is key for the US in extending partnerships, especially to integrate commercial space capacities into broader global initiatives for the space economy.

Read also:

    Latest