Getting Space Acquisition Right. Steps to Realize Enduring Change
Abstract
Traditionally, space system acquisition has operated on long, relatively inflexible life cycles, which is an acceptable approach when designing systems to be resilient to enduring threats. Yet these traditional approaches cannot keep up with a rapidly evolving threat. Motivated by a need for speed, some space programs are pursuing alternative acquisition pathways that, while faster, could come with unidentified risks to mission assurance. But rapidly acquiring individual systems is only part of the story. Building an end-to-end space capability is also an important aim one that requires the integration and synchronization of multiple elements whose development and fielding are managed not only by the Department of the Air Force (DAF) but also by other military departments and federal agencies. To increase the resilience and the warfighting capacity of the space enterprise, the USSF might need to work across the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies to integrate and synchronize complementary capabilities in multiple mission areas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2024
- Accession Number
- AD1220181
Entities
Organizations
- RAND Corporation