CSO Gen. Chance Saltzman has signed a memo, obtained by Breaking Defense, initiating the creation of SF/S9 to coordinate future force planning. However, the change has yet to be approved by Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.
"Futures Command is dead," one Pentagon official said bluntly.
As NATO and European governments accelerate investment in space-based intelligence, decision advantage will depend on how quickly sovereign and commercial capabilities can be fused into a trusted operational picture.
The AEI paper, authored by Senior Fellow Todd Harrison, recommends ditching the standup of Space Futures Command and creating a new organizational structure that combines acquisition and operational functions around mission areas.