Collaboration between Space Force Acquisition and Operations Units for Enhanced Satellite Capabilities
The Space Force is restructuring its teams to improve mission readiness, focusing on a paired system of "System Deltas" and "Mission Deltas." This new approach aligns the teams responsible for acquiring, developing, launching, and maintaining satellite systems (System Deltas) with those that operate and sustain them day-to-day (Mission Deltas).
Two new System Deltas have been established, each specializing in missile warning and space sensing missions. These System Deltas collaborate closely with Mission Deltas under Space Operations Command, which manage the operational employment, sustainment, and eventual disposal of these systems. This partnership ensures that operational needs and realities directly influence acquisition decisions, bridging the traditional gap between systems development and field operations.
The Space Systems Command (SSC) is adjusting staff assignments to support the Golden Dome project, a significant undertaking that is expected to rely heavily on military space sensors and a new array of missile interceptors. However, the Space Force has experienced a loss of 450 civilian staffers due to the Pentagon's deferred resignation program, which has impacted the Space Force's contracting expertise.
In response, the Space Force is exploring faster, less cumbersome paths to acquisition due to staff shortages. Six more System Deltas are expected to be established over the next few months. The aim is to organize the Space Force around mission areas like missile warning, rather than functional areas, promoting a continuous mission analysis and advocacy process, streamlining command and accountability, and improving overall mission readiness.
The Space Force is managing a $10 billion budget from the recent tax-and-spending package, which will be crucial in supporting these new initiatives. This restructuring marks a significant step towards the Space Force forging a purpose-built service, matching form and function to achieve unified mission readiness.
- The Space Force is establishing two new System Deltas, each specializing in missile warning and space sensing missions, working closely with the Mission Deltas under Space Operations Command.
- The Space Systems Command (SSC) is adjusting staff assignments to support the Golden Dome project, a project that is expected to rely on military space sensors and a new array of missile interceptors.
- Due to the loss of 450 civilian staffers due to the Pentagon's deferred resignation program, the Space Force is experiencing a shortage in contracting expertise.
- In response to staff shortages, the Space Force is exploring faster, less cumbersome paths to acquisition, with six more System Deltas expected to be established over the next few months.
- The Space Force is managing a $10 billion budget from the recent tax-and-spending package, aiming to streamline command and accountability, improve overall mission readiness, and forge a purpose-built service in space warfare, defense, and space-and-astronomy through technology and science.
