WASHINGTON — The Pentagon this week released its long-awaited strategy for working more closely with private industry in space.
The Department of Defense (DoD) says the commercial space sector is developing capabilities and services that have the potential to support national security.
The new strategy aims to lower barriers that prevent the DoD from integrating commercial space capabilities into military operations.
The unclassified, first-ever "Commercial Space Integration Strategy," released Tuesday, seeks to leverage advancements in commercial space technology, and the private sector's innovation capabilities that the government lacks.
"Right now, it's very clear across the department that the commercial sector has the ability to move at a faster speed than we can move in many ways, bringing innovation in ways that maybe don't match our normal pace," said John Plumb, the assistant secretary of Defense for Space Policy.
The strategy calls for greater protection for private sector satellites targeted by hostile nations.
It also stresses the need for the military to integrate commercial space capabilities before conflict arises.
"Our military relies on space every single day. To protect our men and women in uniform and to ensure the space services they rely on will be available when needed, the department has a responsibility to leverage all tools available, and those tools include commercial solutions," said Plumb.
The document outlines 13 key mission areas, including missile warning, electromagnetic warfare, and command and communications,
Additionally, the Space Force is set to release its own commercial strategy any day now.
