US Space Force To Develop Commercial Space Reserve

The United States Space Force is advancing plans to establish a Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) program. The initiative aims to secure agreements with commercial space companies, ensuring prioritized access to critical satellite services like communication and remote sensing during times of national security emergencies.

The Space Systems Command, in a request for information issued on July 24, has called upon contractors to submit their comments by August 11 on the proposed CASR program. Drawing inspiration from the Air Force Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) program, which involves commercial airlines providing transport services during crises, the Space Force envisions a similar model for CASR to bolster space capabilities.

"The Space Force is actively investigating the viability of implementing a similar model for space capabilities under the CASR construct." - Colonel Rich Kniseley, Head of the Commercial Space Office

The primary goal of CASR is to enhance the resilience, capacity, and effectiveness of the U.S. national security space architecture by collaborating with the commercial space industry.

Under CASR, commercial companies will be invited to enter into voluntary pre-negotiated contractual arrangements with the government. These agreements will outline the commitment of capabilities during peacetime and the minimum requirements for CASR companies. By establishing such partnerships, the Space Force aims to ensure critical space services are readily available to support national security efforts when required.

One crucial challenge in formulating the CASR program is determining the participation of U.S.-based foreign companies. The U.S. military currently relies on a substantial percentage of commercial satellite communication support from subsidiaries of foreign-based parent corporations. This reliance creates a potential risk that these services may become unavailable during conflicts if the foreign parent corporations are influenced by government pressure or adversary coercion.

To address this issue, the RFI (Request for Information) states, "Risks must be assessed and mitigated, to the extent practicable." This highlights the need to carefully navigate the involvement of foreign entities while safeguarding the continuity and reliability of satellite services.

The establishment of the CASR program comes at a critical juncture when space capabilities are increasingly vital for national defense and security. By partnering with commercial space companies, the Space Force aims to fortify its position in space and ensure that access to essential satellite services remains uninterrupted, even in times of conflict.

The call for information from contractors marks a significant step forward in the development of CASR, signaling the Space Force's commitment to exploring innovative solutions that leverage the expertise and capabilities of both the military and the commercial space sector.

As the August 11 deadline approaches, stakeholders and industry players are expected to respond with valuable insights, contributing to the shaping of the CASR framework that will reinforce the nation's space defense and resilience capabilities for years to come.