The strategy notes that contracts with commercial space providers could, if deemed necessary, "enable prioritization of Department requirements and capability needs over other commercial clients in specific situations."
Col. Rich Kniseley, who will lead the newly created Commercial Space Office, told Breaking Defense, "At the end of the day, I want to be a customer in the commercial market."
From emerging data networks to missile tracking and cyber resilience, Breaking Defense’s latest eBook brings together essential reporting on the evolving role of satellites in national security.
For the newest military arm, this year saw it plant the seeds for important changes in everything from strategy to acquisition.
The member agencies of the Program Integration Council now are all "cross-cleared" so they can share information about their planned space acquisitions, said Lt. Gen. Michael Guetlein, head of Space Systems Command.