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 “continuity of operations” capability; 3) to rapidly exploit and infuse space technological or operational innovations to increase U.S. advantage. Since the ORS standup in 2007, the terms resiliency and responsiveness in association with space programs are now seen in almost every policy and guidance document, not just at the DoD level, but at a National level as well. Resilience has become a key criterion in evaluating alternative architectures, including cost-effective space system protection, hosting payloads on a mix of platforms in various orbits, drawing on distributed international and commercial partner capabilities, and developing and maturing responsive space capabilities. We are transitioning the activities of the ORS program, and synergistically applying its efforts to other space technology efforts. This refocused effort will integrate the operationally responsive space efforts, principles and activities into the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC). SMC will then be better able to develop various enablers to ensure resilience, survivability and flexibility and to explore space mission augmentation options. SMC will also be better positioned to incorporate responsive and resilient R&D efforts into other platforms. The Department of Defense will support the new approach by developing architectures for space mission areas that will include international cooperation and commercial solutions and will also look at how space missions are sustained and augmented to support the warfighter in all contingencies. This strategy will also integrate the lessons learned from the ORS program office’s accomplishments into existing space programs of record. The end result of the program’s termination will be that operationally responsive space activities are fully integrated into SMC’s ongoing architectures and Space Modernization Initiative, increasing resilience and flexibility in space systems. This program is in Budget Activity 04, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes, because the efforts are necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative modes, and prototype systems in a high fidelity and realistic environment.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2013
Source ID
0604857F_4_3600_PB_2013
Change Summary Explanation
FY2011: (+32.000) Congressional add for Responsive Launch Capability; (-0.995) for Congressional General Reductions. FY2012: (+25.000) Congressional add for Responsive Launch Capability; (-1.164) for Congressional General Reduction. FY2013: (-76.386M) due to transitioning ORS efforts to other space programs and reallocation of funding to higher Department priorities.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Autonomy
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Combatant Commanders
  • Earth Orbits
  • Engineering
  • Launch Vehicles
  • Lessons Learned
  • Microsatellites
  • Orbits
  • Payload
  • Reconnaissance Satellites
  • Space Missions
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Synthetic Aperture Radar
  • Systems Engineering
  • United States Strategic Command

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites

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