The Defense Department has submitted its initial report to Congress on plans to restructure national security space programs and offices, SpaceNews reported Tuesday.The report stated that acquisition processes for space technologies currently impede modernization efforts and that the U.S. Air Force‘s Space and Missile Systems Center should undergo reorganization to help speed up procurement.
SMC should be “re-architected” to operate as an enterprise since its mission is currently divided into four areas including precision, navigation and timing; military satellite communications, remote sensing; and space control/space situational awareness, according to the report.
The current structure prevents the development of alternative ideas and the creation of competitive forces that can optimize speed, costs and performance, the DoD report added.
The study also urged the Air Force to refocus on the adoption of new technologies for “game-changing capabilities” and to give personnel more freedom to execute projects.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 required DoD to submit the interim report and provide an updated report on Aug. 1.
The final report is due on Dec. 31 and will explore the formation of a new military department focused on national security space.
