Operationally Responsive Space

Abstract

The successful integration of space-based capabilities into the core of U.S. national security operations has resulted in dramatically increased demand for and dependence upon space capabilities. As a result, U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) identified three needs: 1) to rapidly augment existing space capabilities when needed to expand operational capability; 2) to rapidly reconstitute/replenish critical space capabilities to preserve operational capability; 3) to rapidly exploit and infuse space technological or operational innovations to increase U.S. advantage. Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) is designed to both improve the responsiveness of existing space capabilities (e.g., space, launch, and ground segments) and to develop complementary, affordable small satellite/launch vehicle combinations, and associated ground and command and control systems, that can be deployed in operationally relevant timeframes. ORS is defined as "assured space power focused on timely satisfaction of Joint Force Commanders' needs." The ORS goals are to: 1) Improve robustness--provide a focused, limited capability to augment and reconstitute, with assured warfighter access and control. 2) Respond to urgent needs--deliver effects to joint warfare in response to an urgent or previously unanticipated need. 3) Reduce development/deployment time and cost--complement existing space capabilities with an element focused on increased value and timely delivery. 4) Capitalize on emerging/innovative capabilities--adopt new capabilities from advanced technologies and innovative operational concepts. When enabling responsiveness conditions are fully established, commanders will have three "tiers" of ORS capabilities for meeting urgent needs. Tier 1 involves employing existing, fielded space capabilities in a new and novel fashion within hours to days. Tier 1 solutions will not typically involve the design, engineering, or fabrication of new materiel items. Tier 2 involves deploying field-ready capabilities within days to weeks through rapid assembly, integration, testing, and deployment of small, low-cost satellites. Tier 3 involves developing new capabilities within a months-to-one-year timeframe. Tier 3 activities typically involve hardware and software design, engineering, fabrication, and integration. Insertion of advanced technology into Tier 3 systems must be consistent with the targeted timeframe for the solution. The first ORS satellite (ORS-1) will provide reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities focused on directly supporting theater warfighting requirements. These capabilities will satisfy an urgent and compelling need validated by the Commander, USSTRATCOM. This project will directly support USCENTCOM and Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO). ORS program funds (along with other Service and Agency funds) are programmed to systematically mature ORS enabling elements to meet the responsiveness timelines required by the USSTRATCOM CONOPS (hours, days, weeks, months...not years) and the price points established in the 2007 NDAA ($40M satellite vehicles, $20M launches). This includes the development of a modular open system architecture, including plug and play concepts, to enhance the rapid assembly and integration of mission-specific elements into operational satellites. A focus for these ORS efforts will be the Rapid Response Space Works. ORS funds will also aid in the leadership, coordination, and integration of Tier 1, 2, and 3 activities; fund TacSat and ORS launch vehicles and operations support; fund transition of TacSat demos to operational capabilities; and acquire and deploy operational satellites in response to USSTRATCOM urgent needs. When ORS-appropriate USSTRATCOM urgent needs arise during execution year, programmed ORS projects may be modified or delayed to meet those urgent needs. This program is Budget Activity 04, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes, because it involves operational experimentation and evaluating integrated technologies to assess the performance or cost reduction potential of advanced technology.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: 0604857F_4_3600_PB_2011
• Change Summary Explanation: FY2009: There were a +$28.1M Omnibus and +$10.0M below threshold reprogramming increases to maintain the accelerated ORS-1 schedule. Chip Scale Atomic Clock Congressional Add ($2.347M) was moved to correct PE. -$3.774M SBIR transfer. FY2010: Congressional increases of $1.2M for Micro-Satellite Serial Manufacturing, $4.75M for Low-Earth Orbit Nanosatellite Integrated Defense Autonomous Systems, $1.6M for Rapid Small Satellite Test Facilities, and $4.8M for Space Sensor Data Link Technology. FFRDC -$0.903M. The FY 2010 President's Budget submittal did not reflect FY 2011 through FY 2015 funding. Therefore, explanation of changes between the two budget positions cannot be made in a relevant manner.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Advanced Electronics
• Electronic Warfare
• Sensors
• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Artificial Satellites
• Combatant Commanders
• Command And Control
• Control Systems
• Cost Analysis
• Manufacturing
• Microsatellites
• National Security
• Payload
• Reconnaissance
• Small Satellites
• Space Objects
• Spacecraft
• Surveillance
• Test Facilities
• United States Strategic Command
• Warfare

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
• Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space
• Space - Satellites