FY2024 Defense Budget Request: Space-based Satellite Programs
Abstract
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) develops, procures, and deploys satellites in various orbits to enable space operations aligned with operations in other domains. DOD's Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 funding request for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT and E) and Procurement of space-based satellites includes upgrades to existing satellites and development and procurement of new satellites. In considering this funding request, Congress may assess whether to authorize and appropriate FY2024funds at amounts equal to, less than, or greater than DOD's request. Congress may base this assessment not only on DOD's requested satellite funding and acquisition schedules, but also on analysis of program performance, industry trends, business cases for military use, and alternative procurement strategies, For FY2024, DOD requested $26.1 billion for the "development and procurement of spacecraft; launch vehicles; space command and control systems; and terrestrial satellite terminals and equipment." This represents a $4.4 billion increase over the department's FY2023 request. According to DOD, $11.0 billion of the FY2024 request would fund acquisition of satellites through three broad efforts: the GPS Enterprise; space-based missile warning systems; and satellite communications (SATCOM). Congressional testimony and public statements from the Director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in April and May of 2023 suggest that an indeterminate portion of the remaining $15.1 billion may fund classified satellite programs, including programs that may be managed jointly by NRO and the U.S. Space Force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1203585
Entities
People
- Cameron M. Keys
Organizations
- Congressional Research Service