Space Force Engages Six Companies for New Satellite Reserve Fleet
The Space Force has selected six firms to form a new fleet aimed at boosting space domain awareness for military operations.
The United States Space Force is embarking on a significant initiative to enhance its operational capabilities in space by establishing a Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR). This program aims to integrate commercial satellite assets to support military operations through steady-state and surge capacities.
Emergence of the CASR Program
Over the last year, efforts have been underway to construct a diverse fleet of commercial satellites and systems capable of delivering vital services such as satellite imagery, communication, and space domain awareness (SDA). This innovative approach resembles the Civil Reserve Air Fleet employed by the Air Force, which taps into commercial airline capacity in times of need.
In 2022, the Space Force began a pilot program involving four undisclosed companies specializing in tracking objects and events in space. During this pilot, participants received short-term contracts totaling approximately $1.1 million, which facilitated a series of wargames and training sessions to better understand how commercial capabilities can be integrated into military operations.
Selection of Key Companies
On October 22, the Space Force announced its selection of six companies to operationalize the CASR initiative. These firms have been chosen for their expertise in space domain awareness, a critical area of focus. The companies included are:
- Anduril
- Intrack
- Slingshot
- LeoLabs
- EOS (based in Australia)
- Northstar (a Canadian firm)
Officials, speaking at AFCEA’s annual Space Industry Days conference, emphasized that these companies have already earned the trust of the Space Force’s operational community. Lt. Col. Brandon Galindo noted that in scenarios where enhanced visibility or tracking capabilities are crucial, these firms would be the go-to partners.
A Dynamic and Evolving Framework
The CASR program is designed to be flexible, with opportunities for additional companies to join in the future. Col. Tim Trimailo, director of the Commercial Space Office, clarified that this initiative is not fixed, stating, "This is a living program. We’re always looking for new entrants... that are trusted partners to be part of CASR." This openness allows the Space Force to adapt and integrate newer, proven companies as they emerge in the commercial space realm.
Although the initial contracts will involve relatively modest dollar amounts, Trimailo indicated that the funding structure would evolve as the Space Force assesses demand for various capabilities from combatant commands. The program is geared towards refining its operational strategies regularly, ensuring each mission area benefits from specialized input from the participating companies.
Future Directions for CASR
As the initiative progresses, the Commercial Space Office is already considering what the next phase of the CASR mission could entail. Potential areas being discussed include satellite communications, launch services, and telemetry, tracking, and command capabilities. These endeavors would enable the Space Force to leverage existing resources effectively, such as the Joint Antenna Marketplace, to enhance operational readiness.
This collaborative approach marks an exciting evolution in how military and commercial entities can partner to bolster national security in the ever-competitive domain of space.