WASHINGTON — The Space Force’s new commercial strategy is an attempt to kick off real talks with the private space industry about partnering on new business opportunities, a senior official said April 23.
While the military has been buying bread-and-butter commercial space services like launches and satcom for decades, it’s still figuring out if — and how — it would actually put emerging offerings like in-orbit refueling to use.
“We talk a lot about space refueling, but we don’t really know what the case is for its military utility,” Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton, deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs and requirements, said at an Atlantic Council event.
Bratton discussed the thinking behind the Space Force’s commercial strategy that calls for the integration of private-sector technologies into military systems.
Many questions have yet to be answered about how to employ new commercial space services, he said. The Space Force’s watchword is “understanding the art of the possible.”
Unclear business model
In-space refueling is a case in point. U.S. Space Command leaders have advocated for in-orbit refueling as a needed capability so operators can conduct satellite maneuvers without worrying about running out of fuel.
While intrigued by the potential benefits of in-orbit refueling, like extending satellite lifecycles and reducing space debris, the Space Force is still unclear on the industry’s business model and whether the benefits of refueling would justify a larger financial commitment.
“It’s an area that is very immature,” said Bratton. “What we’re really saying is, ‘industry, lead us, we’re not sure what to make of this. We think there’s something there, but help us figure it out.”
The Space Force would want to see if a viable business model develops before going all-in on the capability, he noted.
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