Space Force Shifts Gears: Commercial Tech to Revolutionize Satellite Surveillance

The U.S. Space Force is undertaking a major transformation in how it approaches satellite surveillance, moving away from custom-built military satellites and embracing commercial technology. This shift, driven by the need for increased supplier diversity and access to private sector innovation, promises to revolutionize the way the nation secures its space assets.

Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, a key figure in Space Force acquisition, recently approved a plan to replace the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) constellation with commercially developed systems. This marks a significant departure from traditional practices, where the GSSAP satellites were built solely for military purposes. The decision was revealed during the State of the Space Industrial Base Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

"Today I signed a new ADM [acquisition decision memorandum] back out to the program office to approve their basic acquisition plan and get after developing a fuller acquisition strategy," Purdy stated, emphasizing the strategic importance of this move.

Why the Shift?

The GSSAP satellites, operating approximately 22,000 miles above Earth, surveil other satellites in this critical region. Historically, this mission was deemed too sensitive for commercial involvement. However, the Space Force now believes that commercial solutions can meet these needs through strategic compromises and adaptations.

"We took that to the Space Force side, to the requirements community, and they signed off last week on reduced requirements that allow us to get after commercial," Purdy explained.

Under the new framework, multiple commercial vendors will build, launch, and operate surveillance satellites. Crucially, the program will be unclassified and accessible to allies through the Pentagon’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

Orbital Warfare and Dynamic Space Operations

The Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO) is also playing a critical role in this transformation. Director Kelly Hammett highlighted the potential for a “product line” of subsystems that allow the Space Force to rapidly deploy new spacecraft with enhanced maneuverability.

Hammett envisions a convergence between Space Systems Command’s Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power program office and Space RCO to advance orbital warfare and dynamic space operations. The goal is to move away from custom, one-off satellite programs and adopt an approach akin to the Space Development Agency, with a repeated product line of agile busses, awareness capabilities, and weapons payloads.

Commercial Space Revolution: Lessons Learned

The shift towards commercial space solutions highlights several critical lessons, particularly the need for mission requirements to drive resource planning, not science fiction or political vanity. Acquisitions must also promote future competition, ensuring that the long-term health of the commercial space industrial base is maintained.

As emphasized by members of the SmallSat Alliance, financial health is now a matter of national security. A company’s financial stability is a strong indicator of its ability to deliver on its promises. Factors such as profitability, solvency, and asset quality should be integrated into acquisition evaluations.

Looking Ahead

The Space Force is also exploring commercial services to upgrade the Satellite Control Network (SCN), a global network of ground stations and communications infrastructure. This initiative, coupled with the shift to commercial surveillance satellites, signals a profound change in how the U.S. approaches space security.

This transformation raises important questions about the future of space acquisitions and the role of commercial innovation in national security. Will this new approach lead to greater efficiency and resilience in space-based assets? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

• Commercial Space
• GSSAP
• Space Force