A report from over 120 participants in a NewSpace New Mexico virtual conference has recommended the government allow over $1 billion in existing Department of Defense (DoD) and NASA funding to support renewed space commodification efforts.
The report, titled “State of the Space Industrial Base 2020”, collates findings from the titular event in May 2020 and includes recommendations to “address the growing threats to U.S. space power” while ensuring the security of the overall space industrial base.
Recommendations detailed in the report include the promulgation of a whole-of-government approach known as “North Star” under the oversight of a presidential task force. The report also recommends the DoD to develop plans to drive space commerce and establish a collaborative framework with U.S. allies.
In addition, the report suggests the government accelerate efforts to fill over 10,000 STEM-related positions and the U.S. Space Force drive industry partnerships.
“A secure, stable, and accessible space domain is a vital interest to the United States,” said Gen. John Raymond, chief of space operations and a 2020 Wash100 Award winner, in the report’s foreword. “The advantage America enjoys today stems from our space industrial base. We must work together to ensure that it remains a strong, effective, and innovative partner in sustaining American space superiority.”
The virtual event was sponsored by the Space Force, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
