SpaceCRAF: A Civil Reserve Air Fleet for Space-Based Capabilities
Abstract
To increase flexibility in the uncertain international environment that lies ahead, the Department of Defense (DoD) must shift how it uses space to support warfighter needs from buying space systems to buying space-based capabilities. U.S. Government (USG) failure to meet warfighters' space-based requirements exposes risks in the years ahead, necessitating a new USG approach based on the Civil Reserve Air Fleet system for presenting space-based capability. Any new method must reduce costs and inefficiencies, forge closer relationships with commercial space providers, and in doing so decrease costs, increase agility, sustain the space industrial base, and enhance deterrence. A unique and significant part of the nation's air mobility resources is the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF). Selected aircraft from U.S. airlines, which are contractually committed to the CRAF program, augment DoD airlift requirements in emergencies. A similar program could be developed to implement significant portions of the President's Space policy for DoD's space requirements. This program could reduce dependence on the spot market for communications purchases, the government's addiction to exquisite technologies, and the government's need for access to spacelift.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA565048
Entities
People
- David C. Arnold
Organizations
- United States Army War College