Traversing the Karman Line: Mitigating Potential Air-Space Friction
Abstract
The establishment of the U.S. Space Force (USSF) within the Department of the Air Force (DAF) presents an opportunity to revisit air-space integration at present and in the future. A recent RAND research effort sought to understand the impact of ongoing organizational changes on air-space integration and operations. This previous effort identified little U.S. Air Force (USAF)-USSF friction. The same analysis also found that a complex space organizational landscape within the U.S. government (USG) affects the DAF, given the DAFs lead role for space within the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Such external conditions create the potential for future internal USAF-USSF friction as the role of space and related organizational responsibilities evolve within the USG. Therefore, continued DAF efforts to focus on air-space integration and mitigate potential future friction remain important. As a follow-on to that analysis, this research effort focused on mitigating potential air-space friction and laying the foundation for long-term air-space integration. In particular, the objective of this report is to identify potential friction points and develop options that the DAF, USAF, and USSF might take to avoid, manage, or lessen the impact of future friction. This report presents the results of that effort by describing the insights gained from a set of workshops and interviews with airmen and guardians across the DAF.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 08, 2024
- Accession Number
- AD1227702
Entities
People
- Kotryna Jukneviciute
- Michael Spirtas
- Sarah Harting
Organizations
- RAND Corporation