The United States Space Force is implementing significant structural and procedural changes to accelerate the development and deployment of space technology. According to Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, this effort represents a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to modernize how the service fields combat-ready systems, with broad support from Congress and the Department of Defense.
Key Takeaways
- The Space Force is restructuring its teams into Integrated Mission Deltas (IMDs) and System Deltas to merge operations with acquisition.
- New legislation and Pentagon directives are supporting faster procurement and greater use of commercial technology.
- Early results show accelerated timelines, such as launching a GPS satellite in three months instead of the previous two-year timeframe.
- The service is also reviewing all programs, leading to cancellations and pivots toward commercial solutions to reduce costs and risks.
- A major focus is on rebuilding and retraining the acquisition workforce, including new qualification courses for officers.
A New Approach to Space Systems Development
The U.S. Space Force is moving away from traditional, slow-moving procurement models. The goal is to deliver advanced space capabilities more quickly to respond to emerging threats. This shift is backed by legislative efforts in both the House and Senate aimed at repealing outdated acquisition laws and encouraging the Pentagon to adopt commercial technologies more readily.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also supported this direction by advocating for faster software acquisition and dismantling the complex requirements process known as the Joint Capability Integration and Development System (JCIDS).
"Nearly every corner of the government is clamoring for change, from the highest levels down," Gen. Saltzman stated at the AFA’s Air, Space, and Cyber Conference. "We find ourselves in a generational moment. We have the drive, the political will, and the necessity to make the lasting changes in how we field combat-credible space capabilities."
Gen. Saltzman emphasized that industry partners are also eager to participate in this accelerated process, creating a unified push for reform.
Integrated Deltas Merge Operations and Acquisition
A cornerstone of the Space Force's new strategy is the creation of Integrated Mission Deltas (IMDs). These units combine operators, who manage the on-orbit systems, with sustainers under a single commander. This structure is designed to give leaders direct control over the resources needed to maintain and improve operational readiness.
Unifying Teams for Faster Problem-Solving
Since last year, the Space Force has established IMDs in four critical mission areas: space domain awareness, electronic warfare, missile warning, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT). These IMDs are part of the Space Operations Command.
To complement them, Space Systems Command (SSC) has created System Deltas. These teams are specifically tasked with rapid capability development and are paired with their corresponding IMDs. According to reports, SSC has established five System Deltas and plans to add three more by the end of October.
How the New Structure Works
In this new model, the commander responsible for a mission's readiness also controls the tools, budget, and authority to solve problems. Gen. Saltzman explained this allows the service to prioritize fixes based on operational needs, test new upgrades in real-world conditions, and improve systems quickly based on immediate feedback.
Tangible Results and Accelerated Timelines
The benefits of this integrated approach are already becoming apparent. In August, the Space Force declared its Deep-Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) ready for initial operations. Gen. Saltzman noted that the joint team of operators and acquisition specialists transitioned the system to limited use months ahead of what would have been possible under the old system.
From Two Years to Three Months
Lt. Gen. David Miller, head of Space Operations Command, highlighted the Rapid Response Trailblazer mission in May. The service launched a GPS III satellite just three months after receiving the initial notification, a process that previously could have taken up to two years.
Advancements in Electronic Warfare
Progress is also evident in electronic warfare (EW). The Space Force is shifting from its Counter Communication System, which involved small, focused deployments, to a remote, distributed system named Bounty Hunter. This new system enables operators to respond faster to EW threats globally.
According to Lt. Gen. Miller, Bounty Hunter can geolocate enemy jamming activities within seconds to minutes. The close partnership between operators and developers within the same IMD has allowed the team to identify capability gaps and upgrade the system iteratively.
"We have literally leaped ahead two weapon system upgrades in the Bounty Hunter electromagnetic surveillance capability," Miller said, attributing the success to the dedicated System Deltas working on operational priorities.
Empowering the Workforce and Reforming Programs
The reorganization is also changing decision-making dynamics. Lt. Gen. Phil Garrant, Commander of SSC, stated that empowering lower-ranking officers, such as captains, with more authority frees senior commanders from daily problem-solving. "That frees us up to be more strategic leaders," he explained.
Systematic Program Reviews
At the headquarters level, the Space Force is conducting comprehensive reviews of all its programs. Early this year, Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy initiated a review to identify cost and schedule risks. This has led some programs to change their contracting strategies or incorporate more commercial solutions.
In some cases, programs were canceled. One notable example is the Protected Tactical Satellite Communications-Resilient program. The service decided to shift its requirements to another effort, the Protected Tactical Waveform, to lower costs and contracting risks.
The review also prompted the service to explore commercial alternatives for existing missions. For the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP), which monitors objects in orbit, U.S. Space Command desired more mobile satellites. After industry confirmed it could meet this need, the Space Force began pursuing a follow-on effort, RG-XX, which will use a fleet of small, maneuverable satellites that can be refueled in orbit.
Investing in Acquisition Professionals
Alongside these organizational shifts, the Space Force is revamping how it trains and supports its acquisition workforce. Gen. Saltzman announced a new 10-week initial qualification course for acquisition officers, providing in-depth training on program management, testing, and contracting. The course also includes mentorship from senior leaders and engagement with industry experts.
The service is also focused on rebuilding its civilian acquisition team. Gen. Saltzman acknowledged that the civilian workforce was significantly affected by federal workforce reductions, with the Space Force losing about 14% of its civilian personnel, many of whom were acquisition specialists.
The service has secured waivers to rehire personnel and is now strategically determining which specialties to prioritize. Lt. Gen. Garrant noted the challenge of balancing the need for experienced personnel with the long-term goal of developing expertise internally, especially as procurement regulations are simplified. Simpler rules mean contracting officers will need to make more independent judgments, increasing the demand for experience.
Garrant's goal in the coming months is to strategically rebuild the acquisition workforce to ensure it is prepared to implement these sweeping reforms effectively.