The U.S. Space Force is implementing a fundamental shift in its strategy for developing and deploying space systems, moving away from lengthy development cycles in favor of rapid deployment. Gen. Chance Saltzman, the chief of space operations, detailed this new approach, emphasizing the need for speed and collaboration to maintain the nation's advantage in space.
Speaking at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference on September 23, Saltzman outlined a vision where systems are deployed once they are effective, not perfect. This change is intended to accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities and respond more quickly to evolving threats.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Space Force is prioritizing speed over perfection to accelerate the deployment of new space technologies.
- Gen. Chance Saltzman stated that systems need to be "combat credible," not flawless, to be put into operation quickly.
- Recent successes include a 40% improvement in global GPS accuracy and a reduction in satellite launch times from two years to just three months.
- The service is shifting from a transactional to a collaborative partnership with the commercial space industry to foster innovation.
A New Philosophy for Space Superiority
Gen. Saltzman's address signaled a significant change in military space doctrine. For decades, the development of space assets was characterized by long, meticulous processes aimed at achieving near-perfect systems before launch. However, Saltzman argued this traditional model is no longer viable in the current strategic environment.
He stressed that waiting for perfection creates unacceptable delays, potentially leaving the nation vulnerable. The new guiding principle is to get functional, or "combat credible," systems into orbit quickly. Once operational, these systems can be continuously improved and upgraded based on real-world performance and feedback.
Why the Shift is Necessary
The space domain is increasingly contested, with other nations rapidly developing their own capabilities. A slow, risk-averse acquisition process can mean that by the time a U.S. system is deployed, the technology may already be outdated or the threats it was designed to counter may have changed.
Demonstrating a Faster Pace with Recent Successes
The Space Force is already seeing positive results from its efforts to increase speed and efficiency. Gen. Saltzman highlighted several recent accomplishments as proof that the new approach is working. These achievements demonstrate tangible progress in delivering enhanced capabilities to warfighters faster than ever before.
GPS Accuracy and Launch Timelines
One of the most significant improvements has been in the performance of the Global Positioning System (GPS). According to Saltzman, tactical upgrades and rigorous operational testing have resulted in a 40 percent increase in global accuracy. This enhancement directly benefits military operations and civilian applications worldwide.
The time required to launch a satellite has been dramatically reduced. What once took nearly two years to accomplish can now be completed in as little as three months, showcasing a major leap in operational agility.
This reduction in launch timelines allows the Space Force to be more responsive, whether it's replacing a damaged satellite or deploying a new constellation to meet an emerging need.
The Proliferated Constellation Model
A key example of the new strategy in action is the work of the Space Development Agency (SDA). Saltzman pointed to the recent launch of the first Tranche One satellites as a model for future deployments. This system is part of a larger proliferated constellation designed for resilience and enhanced capability.
The Tranche One network, which will eventually consist of over 150 satellites, is built to provide critical services including advanced missile warning, secure tactical communications, and optical cross-links for high-speed data transfer between satellites. By distributing capabilities across a large number of smaller, more affordable satellites, the network becomes more resilient to attack than traditional systems that rely on a few large, expensive assets.
From Perfection to 'Combat Credible'
The core of Gen. Saltzman's message was the need to redefine what it means for a system to be ready for deployment. He urged both the Space Force and its industry partners to abandon outdated mindsets that stall progress in pursuit of an unattainable ideal of perfection.
"Effective systems don’t require perfection to be combat credible. We need to consider rapid entry into operations, manage the capability with a smart risk posture, and then focus on rapid and continuous improvement of the capability in operations," he said.
This approach accepts a degree of initial risk in exchange for speed. The focus shifts to iterative development, where systems are launched and then improved upon while in orbit. This allows the service to learn and adapt in a real-world operational environment, ensuring that technology keeps pace with threats.
Forging a New Partnership with Industry
To make this new model work, the Space Force is transforming its relationship with the commercial sector. Gen. Saltzman described a move away from a purely transactional dynamic—where the government simply buys a finished product—to a more collaborative one.
The goal is to foster a shared understanding of system requirements, the threat environment, and investment strategies. This partnership is designed to leverage the innovation and agility of the commercial space industry more effectively.
To facilitate this collaboration, the Space Force has established the Front Door online portal. This platform serves as a central point for commercial companies to submit innovative ideas and technologies for evaluation. It streamlines the process for the service to identify and integrate promising new capabilities from non-traditional defense contractors and startups, ensuring a steady flow of cutting-edge solutions.