The U.S. Space Force is restructuring its Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) cell to systematically integrate commercial space domain awareness (SDA) data into daily military activities. The overhaul aims to transform the JCO from an experimental unit into a permanent operational support function for all U.S. Combatant Commands.
Announced at the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) conference, the move signals a significant shift in how the military leverages private sector capabilities for monitoring activities in orbit. The goal is to provide a continuous flow of unclassified data to warfighters globally.
Key Takeaways
- The Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) cell is being reorganized into a permanent support unit under the new Combat Forces Command.
- The JCO will serve as a data and analytics provider, funneling commercial space tracking information to all 11 U.S. Combatant Commands.
- A new rapid acquisition model uses short, 4-6 week contracts to foster competition and keep pace with technological innovation.
- Integration challenges persist, with modern military units adopting data faster than those with legacy systems tied to critical missions like missile warning.
From Test Bed to Enduring Operation
For years, the JCO has operated primarily as a test bed, exploring methods for sharing unclassified space domain awareness data with commercial partners. The current reorganization marks a transition to an "enduring construct" with established processes and long-term stability within the Space Force's structure.
JCO Director Barbara Golf, speaking at the AMOS conference in Hawaii, confirmed the ongoing discussions. "We are in the middle of a discussion about where the long-term stabilization of something that fully integrates acquisitions, tactical acquisitions, and integrates into existing operations across 11 combatant commands goes," Golf stated.
The new structure will position the JCO under Space Operations Command (SpOC), which is set to be renamed Combat Forces Command. This change solidifies the JCO's role as an integral part of military space operations rather than a standalone experiment.
What is Space Domain Awareness?
Space Domain Awareness (SDA) is the effective identification, characterization, and understanding of any factor associated with the space domain that could affect space operations. It involves tracking satellites, debris, and potential threats in orbit to ensure the safety and security of space assets.
A New Role as Data Provider
Under the new plan, the JCO will not conduct its own operations but will function as a service provider for the rest of the military. "The new JCO would function as 'a data provider and analytical services provider,'" Golf explained. Its primary mission will be to acquire, process, and transmit commercial and allied SDA information to operators across the globe.
This information will be distributed to the Combatant Commands through the Space Force's operational deltas, which are equivalent to wings in the Air Force. Golf likened the JCO's future role to that of an internal support office. "Think of it like mission support, like an IT office," she said. "It’s not a separate operation. It’s a support function to other operations."
Streamlining the Flow of Information
A central component of this strategy is the Unified Data Library (UDL), the repository where the JCO stores acquired commercial data. Historically, the UDL has been a static library, but in March, the Space Force initiated a plan to upgrade it for direct, machine-to-machine interfaces with operational systems.
The success of this integration varies significantly depending on the technological infrastructure of the receiving unit. Golf provided contrasting examples to illustrate this point.
For Mission Delta 31, which is responsible for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services like GPS, integrating data was relatively straightforward. Because the unit operates on modern infrastructure, incorporating information on GPS interference from the UDL took less than a year.
"We changed the data format to match what they were using. We ran a code upgrade at unclassified. We are porting the containerized code up to secret and top secret," Golf said, detailing the efficient process.
Legacy Systems Pose a Challenge
In contrast, integrating commercial data for Mission Delta 2, the unit specifically responsible for the SDA mission, has proven more difficult. This difficulty arises because the delta also manages legacy sensors tied to the nation's missile warning systems.
Upgrades to systems connected with missile defense are tightly controlled to prevent any disruption to their critical function. This makes integrating new, external data sources a much slower and more complex process.
"It’s a little bit more difficult to make things legacy, backward compatible into a system that is so tightly controlled for missile warning upgrades," Golf noted. "You don’t want to be screwing up with missile warning... So, that one has been taking a lot longer."
A New Model for Acquiring Commercial Data
The reorganization addresses not only operations but also the critical process of acquisition. Since SpOC is responsible for organizing and training personnel, the new JCO structure must include a formal link to Space Systems Command (SSC), the branch responsible for acquiring technology and data.
The JCO has pioneered a unique acquisition model that the Space Force intends to formalize. This model is built on what Golf describes as "short duration, competitive, constant on-boarding."
Key features of this acquisition strategy include:
- Rapid Contract Cycles: Contracts with commercial vendors are awarded for very short periods, typically only four to six weeks.
- Continuous Competition: The short cycles force companies to constantly compete for new contracts, ensuring they provide the best possible service and technology.
- Adaptability: This approach allows the Space Force to quickly adapt to the rapid pace of innovation in the commercial sector and respond to evolving military requirements.
This model involves numerous commercial partners, including companies like LeoLabs, Exoanalytic, Slingshot, and COMSPOC, which provide valuable satellite tracking and analysis services.
Keeping Industry 'Hungry'
Golf acknowledged that this high-pressure, rapid-turnover model might be unpopular with industry partners who prefer long-term, stable contracts. However, she was direct about its necessity for maintaining a competitive edge.
"No one ever gets to rest on their laurels. I think that one of the key pieces is that, and I know industry can’t stand it. Quite frankly, I don’t care. You’ve got to remain hungry."
This philosophy underscores the Space Force's commitment to leveraging the dynamism of the commercial space industry. By ensuring no single provider becomes complacent, the JCO aims to secure access to the most advanced SDA capabilities available at any given time.
While the final organizational chart is still being developed, the new structure will formally connect the acquisition experts at SSC with the operational support functions of the new JCO, creating a seamless pipeline from commercial innovation to military application.