Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman has put the Space Force’s draft Commercial Space Strategy on hold, citing a need for more specific action plans and guidance. Speaking at the annual Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference, Saltzman emphasized that the strategy must go beyond “aspirational platitudes” and include concrete plans for collaboration with industry. The objective is to clearly define what services and capabilities the Space Force expects from commercial sectors. Saltzman aims to complete the rewritten document by the end of the year.
Key Points:
- Gen. Chance Saltzman has paused the Space Force’s Commercial Space Strategy to include more actionable and specific guidance for industry collaboration.
- Saltzman questioned the division between services that could be provided by the commercial industry and those that must be inherently governmental, highlighting the lack of straightforward answers.
- The general aims to clarify the types of commercial assistance needed by the Space Force to guide future acquisitions and specific requests for proposals.
- Saltzman is focusing on identifying significant gaps best filled by commercial data, services, or capabilities, stating that the current strategy lacks this level of detail.
- The rewritten strategy document is expected to be completed by year’s end, and Saltzman will seek industry feedback to ensure it meets intended objectives.
