Defense Science Board report calls for wider adoption of commercial space technologies to enhance effectiveness and resilience of military space operations.
A recent report by the Defense Science Board (DSB) calls on the US Space Force to intensify the integration of commercial space technologies into its processes. As the commercial space market, valued at $447 billion in 2023, continues to grow, the DSB proposes a roadmap for maximising the benefits of these innovations for national defence. The report highlights the need for a ‘buy before build’ approach to space procurement, while recommending strategies to overcome internal bureaucratic hurdles and improve resilience to threats such as cyber attacks.
Benefits of integrating commercial space technologies
The Defense Science Board report highlights the importance of the Space Force integrating commercial space technologies into its operations. Commercial sector companies are driven by market demands to deliver innovative products, quickly and cost-effectively. By leveraging these technologies, the Department of Defense (DoD) could benefit from increased productivity and faster innovation.
One of the main arguments of the report is that the commercial space sector has evolved considerably over the last decade. According to a study by McKinsey & Company, this market was worth around $447 billion in 2023, with a projection of over $1 billion in the 2030s. This growth is fuelled by companies that launch rockets, build satellites and provide essential services such as earth observation and ground control. By harnessing these capabilities, the Space Force could not only make substantial savings but also accelerate the deployment of new technologies.
To better illustrate this point, let’s take the example of Viasat, a company specialising in satellite communications, which has demonstrated how commercial technologies can effectively meet military needs. By drawing on the existing infrastructure and innovations of such companies, the Space Force could reduce the time it takes to develop new capabilities while minimising the costs associated with often lengthy and expensive in-house development projects.
Buy before you build’ strategy
One of the DSB’s key recommendations is for the Space Force to adopt a ‘buy before you build’ strategy. This approach means that, rather than developing unique new military systems, the Space Force first looks at capabilities already available in commercial industry. This strategy provides access to tried and tested technologies, while reducing the risks associated with developing new solutions.
There are clear advantages to this strategy. For example, instead of developing a military communications satellite from scratch, the Space Force could buy existing communications services from commercial companies such as SpaceX or OneWeb. These companies already offer satellite communications solutions that cover a large part of the globe, and can be quickly adapted to meet military needs.
However, this approach also requires a review of traditional DoD procurement practices. Commercial systems need to be integrated at the planning stage, which requires close collaboration between military programmers and technology companies. The DSB suggests putting in place an end-to-end framework to ensure that private sector systems are considered at every stage of military capability development.
Overcoming bureaucratic and cultural challenges
Despite the obvious benefits of adopting commercial technologies, the report highlights that bureaucracy and internal culture within the DoD are major barriers to this integration. The report identifies several areas where these barriers manifest themselves, including policy interpretation, acquisition practices, funding models and military exercises.
These bureaucratic barriers limit the scope and potential application of commercial space technologies. For example, current DoD acquisition practices are often inflexible and ill-suited to the rapid adoption of commercial technologies. Acquisition processes can be lengthy and complex, slowing the adoption of new technologies.
To remedy these challenges, the report recommends a series of measures. Among them, it is suggested that the Space Force should develop an operational framework for integrating commercial offerings right from the definition of requirements. In addition, it is recommended that programme managers be empowered to fund the technological maturation of dual-use systems, i.e. those that can serve both commercial and military purposes. These adjustments are intended to make the processes more flexible and adapted to the reality of today’s technological market, where innovation is occurring at a rapid pace.
Strengthening resilience in the face of threats
Another critical aspect addressed by the report concerns the risks associated with increased dependence on commercial systems. It is true that private sector capabilities, while highly advanced, are not always designed to withstand the specific threats that the DoD faces, such as cyber attacks or electronic interference.
The DSB recommends several strategies to mitigate these risks. For example, resilience could be a requirement built into commercial contracts, with funds allocated to securing satellites and ground systems against cyber threats. In addition, the DoD could improve its methods of sharing threat information with private industry and make it easier for companies to obtain the necessary security clearances.
Improving resilience also involves conducting vulnerability assessments of current commercial suppliers. These assessments would help identify potential weaknesses in commercial systems and inform future requirements and contracts. A better understanding of vulnerabilities would enable preventative measures to be taken to protect critical systems from potential attacks.
Long-term implications for national defence
The increased adoption of commercial technologies by the Space Force could have significant long-term implications for national defence. On the one hand, it could lead to more rapid modernization of military space capabilities, enabling the DoD to keep pace with rapid technological advances. On the other hand, it could make military systems more interconnected with commercial infrastructures, creating an interdependence that could pose challenges in the event of conflict or international tensions.
However, with appropriate risk management and integration strategies, the benefits of this approach are numerous. Not only could it reduce costs and accelerate development, but it could also encourage closer collaboration between the public and private sectors, thereby stimulating innovation in defence.
The integration of commercial space technologies into Space Force operations represents a crucial opportunity to enhance the effectiveness and resilience of US military capabilities. However, this requires adaptation of bureaucratic structures, increased attention to security risks and close collaboration with the private sector to maximise the benefits of this innovative approach.
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