The U.S. Space Force and its procurement arm look to foster partnerships with commercial space companies to boost U.S. space asset security and enhance satellite-based services of the Department of Defense, SpaceNews reported Monday.
The Space Systems Command has initiated the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserves program to team up with satellite manufacturers, launch vehicle operators, satellite communication and imagery service providers and other commercial companies to help respond to space-related crises.
“We are talking about how we’re going to expand our commercial partnerships during peacetime to ensure we have access to commercial capabilities during times of crisis or conflict,” said Col. Rich Kniseley, chief of enterprise requirements at the space systems integration office of SSC.
He added that 84 companies signed up to participate in CASR so far and a funding proposal for the program is eyed for fiscal year 2025.
Space Force is looking to collaborate with providers of existing space services such as satcom, space domain awareness and commercial imagery.
