19 April 2023
Hon. Don Graves, Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Department of Commerce
On DoC efforts:
$5B for R&D to advance space capabilities. At DoC we want to make sure the US remains a leader. It’s our job to improve US competitiveness. That means engaging with industry, providing clarity that you need to invest. I’m joined with Richard DalBello. We launched a committee last year that will engage the whole of Commerce on key space issues. Commerce Department has outlined five areas of focus.
On focus area one- coordinating regulatory functions
It’s designed to promote competitiveness, transparency, and consistency. We’re working closely with the VP to make sure US has clear frameworks. At DoC we believe the new framework should be simple and promote innovation….
On focus area two- growing customer base
Commerce International Trade Administration is working with US businesses to help them overseas…US leadership in space requires bilateral and multilateral partnerships around the world. We’re leading efforts for international space business collaboration.
On focus area three- improving space safety and sustainability
Congress recognizes that this is a priority as well and we received a huge increase in funding for this. One is for SSA/STM. We are working to provide SSA data and services. Funding came with a deadline of Sept 2024. We’re working hard to meet that deadline. We rebranded to TRCSS, traffic coordination system for space. We also established a Space Operations Division. We’re going to collaborate with industry to the maximum extent possible. SSA is absolutely crucial and we continue to have engagements with industry.
On focus area four- promoting innovation
Working closely to encourage US innovation… We’re investing in CHIPS ecosystem. We’re working to solve R&D challenges…. Going to ensure the US leads the way from computing, AI, making sure spectrum is available. Development of National Spectrum Strategy… we’re seeking feedback.
On focus area five- advancing earth observation capabilities
Weather monitoring… at the beginning of this year NOAA declared their new system as operational GOES West. GOES 18 and West will be in the sky for years to come…. We’re building in on ramps for collaborating…, In LEO NEON, Near Earth Orbit Network, evolving partner mission measurements and intends to help inform requirements, enhance weather knowledge….
On threats
Commerce Department recognizes the threats. We’ve been working closely with partners. We are working to help protect commercial space systems. Cyber Security Executive Forum I just participated. It became clear that the public and private actors must work together to proactively address cyber security challenges.
On engagement with commercial
We’re eager to partner. We’re working to make sure the US remains the flag of choice for partnership. I look forward to the continued work together.
[End]
Hon. Frank Kendall, Secretary, USAF
On National Security Importance
I believe that the danger is increasing over time. Space isn't just a warfighting domain; it is the warfighting domain.
On China
First, China views space as a military operational domain and is developing and fielding forces intended to dominate in that domain. Second, China does not seem to be constrained by concerns about either debris generation or strategic stability…China does not seem to be constrained by concerns about either debris generation or strategic stability…We must protect those forces from China's space-based systems, especially those who provide targeting information to the ever-increasing range and inventories of cruise and ballistic missiles and even hypersonic weapons that China is intent on fielding…I do not believe that we are unnecessarily in a cold war. Global economies, including China's, are more interconnected than those of the Soviet Union…I do not believe that China will fundamentally change anytime soon; however, modern technology is giving the CCP a degree of control over its population that no authoritarian government has ever had…One team, one fight. These people and many more recognize that the key to countering China is space.
On Acquisition
On the acquisition front, we are moving quickly to field the space order of battle, defined in part by our operational imperative analysis.
On Strengthening Deterrence and Credible Capabilities
Protecting joint and combined forces from China's space systems... We must protect those forces from China's space systems, especially those who provide targeting information… Our strategy of integrated deterrence is built on the strengths of our partnerships… The conjunction with these efforts, we must also strengthen deterrence and credible capabilities to deter threats and deny any potential adversary that the cost of aggression far exceeds the potential benefits.
On Resilience and Distributed Communication We have made a good start with resilient and distributed communication, but we have a lot left to do.
On Embracing Change
Accelerating change is a call to embrace the rapid transformations we face and adapt accordingly…I want to close with a shout-out to a great team. We're only in our fourth year, but we're growing up fast.
On Allies and Partnerships “Why does the US have all the good allies?" - A rhetorical question highlighting the value of strong alliances in maintaining global security…We are also enhancing partnerships with intelligence community leaders, such as Crystal Scalise and NRO, Wentworth at NGA, to ensure that timely, targeting-quality data from space-based sensors and networks seamlessly integrate into the hands of our warfighters…The United States and its allies and its partners do have some significant military advantages, one of these is experience.
[End]
Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, USSF
On new era of space
Some complacency we need to address…SF, industry partners, allies, teammates, we must collectively pivot to a new approach to the environment…Years ago, it would take us eight years from order to orbit… We were tracking much less… ISS only once had to maneuver from debris…. We talked about things like failure of systems… We built charts to plan how far we could stretch program launches…
On threats
We’re seeing a sophisticated array of threats… We’re seeing nesting dolls, directed energy weapons, cyber-attacks… We’ve already seen space-enabled strikes. We’re seeing Russian attacks in the ongoing war with Ukraine. PRC threats are increasing. High quality capabilities… What was once state of the art is now state of the world and far more accessible.
On 2008 to 2022
Debris has dramatically risen. More active satellites on orbit, worldwide launches, ISS debris conjunctions have increased by 1151%. We must recognize the rate of change has accelerated….Last couple of years must be characterized differently… There’s been exponential growth. Space launch has increased 31%. Tracked objects increased by 16%. This was in one year… Trend lines continue to show the slope of change is moving exponentially up…. New era includes increased SSA. New era includes the need to increase transparency… Satellite production is making the transition to assembly line manufacturing. We’re seeing investments in space mobility and logistics, proliferated orbits and more. This will require a cultural shift.
On changes
We must change how we look at challenges, implement solutions… Our young guardians get it. These guardians do not carry around the same baggage as previous areas. They are wondering why we’re holding on to old ways.
On three lines of effort:
This is just a framework. The real work is going about the missions in a new way…
On frozen middle
I’m here to challenge you to think differently. We must pivot. The old ways of doing business are too slow, too late to need, and too behind the times.
On what SF is doing differently:
FY24 budget submission pivots to a more survivable posture. We have also significantly increased investment to continue development of OTTI, new ways of providing satcom, implementing space lift range of the future, new process… These are key building blocks.
On guardians:
Guardian spirit is what it means to be a part of the SF. Those who experience the guardian spirit are bold and collaborative problem solvers. They are public servants… Guardian Field Forum…. These representatives will discuss the challenges and opportunities they’re seeing. It’s designed to provide professional development and unfiltered feedback. The inaugural event was held last month. I was impressed and inspired… These guardians and airmen outlined their thoughts and solutions. They put together a solid proposal for actions to improve transparency. I’m very proud.
On partnering to win:
To be a winning partnership, it needs to be mutually supportive. For industry that means being supportive of the work we’re doing on our force design… I want to be upfront on that. If force design analysis shows changes needed, industry can be a good partner. SF must continue to improve our methods and mindsets as well. We need to present opportunities to partner with us early and upfront. We also find value in wargaming with partners… Having folks working together is positive but SF has to help identify technology areas we need help solving. S&T Summit we’re working currently…
On cells in ops centers:
Within these cells we plan out maneuvers. We have new initiatives that expand beyond the highly classified… Ex. SDA platforms…. SF is committed to expanding efforts like these.
On key asymmetric advantages:
If we can shake off the comfort and leverage new methods and mindsets, the innovation we need will happen. Network of international partners we have is a powerful force for good. Advantage I lean on every day is the talent of our remarkable SF.
[End]
Dr. Derek Tournear, Director, Space Development Agency
On SDA background
We are just over four years old. We were created to be the constructive disruptor. We were tasked with fielding capabilities for the warfighters. We’re focused on providing beyond line of sight targeting and advanced missile flight mission. How are we being disruptive? Proliferation is pillar number one. That’s very different than the way things were done. Pillar two, spiral development… I think it’s working.
On what SDA has done and recent launch
We got our first funding in Feb 2020. We’ve launched satellites. T0 has 28 satellites. We launched ten a couple weeks ago. We used a reused rocket. We used commercial transportation… Gen. Saltzman talked about order to orbit and how many years it used to take. Going forward, this is the way of the future. We’re measuring in months. When T0 was supposed to launch, we aborted T-3 seconds. A few days later we had a beautiful launch. SpaceX was able to launch and everything went off perfectly without a hitch. I watched on YouTube. This has now been viewed hundreds of thousands of times. We got communication with all ten satellites very quickly. We got in touch with nine within 24 hours and the last one the following day. Next launch will be in June.
On T1
Tranche 1 is going to launch in 18 months. We’re going to have a launch a month for 13 months to get T1 operating. This is the pivot Gen. Saltzman was talking about. T1 is the first operational concept then 2026 will be T2. Whole goal is to have 350-400 satellites operational at any given time. The satellites have five year lifetimes. It’s the cell phone model of space. We’re only able to do this because we’re capitalizing on commercial. This is what allows us to buy these every other year.
On capabilities
We’re getting the data in real time. What ties JADC2 together? SDA’s transport layer. We tie the tactical data centers. We’re going to enable this in real time. Hypersonics, they’re a real threat. We’re going to track them and have solutions in real time. Our mission is SDA, speed, delivery, agility.
On magic sauce
It’s our people. We have a very learn, capable crew. We have a few hundred people. We’ll grow that but not by a lot. We need folks that can help us field these. We’re doing a lot of things that are important for the nation. Concept to orbit, after this talk meet with us outside and please come find out what it’s like to work at SDA.
On T2 solicitation
Transport layer is broken up into three parts. Solicitation is out on the street. There will be another this summer and another early next year. We’re really excited.
[End]
Panel- Strategic Scientific and Technological Competitiveness
Moderator- Dr. Joanna Hinks, Senior Research Aerospace Engineer, AFRL
Dr. Steven Meier, Director, Naval Center for Space Technology, NRL
Dr. Andy Williams, Deputy Technology Executive Officer for Space, AFRL
On top tech areas the labs are working
Q- What are some of the most important tech areas your abs are working?
Meier: I’d say right now space logistics. Technology area we’re working on, space robotics, we’re doing a program RSGS, we’re building two robotic arms and then we’re being provided the bus. It will enable servicing of satellites out of the GEO belt. What’s the most exciting and challenging, satellites we’ll be servicing weren’t built to have servicing done.
Williams: RSGS is exquisite. AFRL is looking at what are the pieces beyond that. We’re focused on smaller, proliferated systems and what the next gen of systems will look like. We’re really looking at maneuver.
On helping the terrestrial warfighter
Q- How can space logistics support the terrestrial warfighter?
Meier: We’re looking at space solar and power beaming as a way to get after this…. Just launched another program that demonstrated laser power beaming in space this March 2023. We’re going to continue to look at how we can expand this.
Williams: We’re in partnership with NRL. We’re focused on an incremental demo on the space-based side. Key piece is incremental research.
On AI/ML
Q- Implications of AI/ML in space domains?
Williams: It’s applicable here. It’s a critical technology for SF. There’s an increase in data and we need to be able to use it and be able to make decisions on the timeline required. We know there will be applications in tactical ISR, SDA… There isn’t really an application that doesn’t involve AI/ML mainly because of the work load. AFRL is focused on what we need to do to make sure the technology is viable, valuable, and trusted. You also have to worry about safety and ethics. We have to work with operators to build the trust, focus on responsible use of AI and then we need to figure out how to institutionalize it. We have to look at vulnerability and foster a community approach. We have to look at the workforce piece and make sur we have the workforce that can speak this language. AI/ML will be a critical requirement for the future of warfighting.
Meier: I concur. You can’t get away from AI/ML. I have a few pet peeves. AI/ML are two separate things. Then there’s different types of ML. We need to get things better defined and not lump them together. AI/ML came onto the space community about ten years ago and biggest impact has been satellite imagery. It’s had a big impact. We’re currently using AI on RSGS. Another program Auto Sat, it’s a satellite that autonomously navigates and calibrates itself all based on AI/ML and networks. It will have no human in the loop… It’ll be able to operate in a GPS denied environment. That’s the big kicker.
[End]
Panel- National Cislunar Policy: Strategy, Science, and Security
Moderator- Dipak Srinivasan, JHUAPL
Dr. Matthew Daniels, Assistant Director for Space Security & Special Projects, OSTP
Dr. Joel Kearns, Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration, NASA
Dr. Lindsay Millard, Principal Director for Space, Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, DoD
Dr. Kurt Vogel, Director of Space Architectures, NASA
Daniels
On National Cislunar Strategy
We define cislunar to mean the volume of space beyond GEO. Strategy is designed to be a first step. We will add to it and improve it as we move forward.
On importance of cislunar
NASA estimates that activity in this space will grow significantly over the next decade both government and private entities. It will be difficult especially in the early years. It will also be remembered as opening up to human activities while things are changing here on Earth. We’re in a moment of geopolitical tensions. Over time activities by all kinds of actors will affect us all so we should lead and set a good precedence…. Importance and responsibility to anticipate long term futures early. Cislunar offers tremendous promise. Much of the strategy is building upon the Artemis Program… It’s important to have US S&T leadership in place for peace and sustainability.
On strategy first goal- R&D
We focus on enabling human activities of increasing duration. We will fund experiments and education… Also focuses on workforce.
On strategy second goal- expand international S&T cooperation in cislunar
Science is an international enterprise and scientists have long been able to work across boundaries.
On strategy third goal- expand SSA capabilities into cislunar space
SSA is ultimately essential for safe and successful space operations in all orbits including cislunar. We will continue to share SSA information and ultimately share SSA information to all space operators. We envision a civilian open data platform.
On strategy fourth goal- implement cislunar communications, PNT capabilities with scalable and interoperable approaches
This objective will ensure that infrastructure can be relevant to building a sustainable cislunar space over the longer term. US can help open new pathways for actors who work with us.
Millard
On S&T Strategy and DoD role
Department fully supports these objectives. What does that mean for DoD? We hope we can play a role in SSA. We’ve talked about SSA for a very long time and it’s not just about sensors. It’s about autonomy, spacecraft design, new propulsion systems, and everything that enables our new S&T look. We expect this to be a larger area where DoD can contribute.
On 18th and 19th Space Defense Squadrons and DoC
These activities contribute not only to safety but transparency. DoC role is expanding. As they take over some SSA and STM, DoD will continue to support.
On what DoD is working on
As we move away from dynamics where you largely only have to focus on the gravity of one large body, we have to look at how we adjust. Many scientists have always through about this. One of the biggest challenges is how do we actually implement that. Research is going on across multiple labs and universities. We’re also upgrading our sensors. AFRL and NRL are working together to do optical links and electrical propulsion. SpaceWERX gave several awards for their cislunar projects.
On moving fast
Q- Are we in an episode of For All Man Kind? Are we moving fast enough?
Daniels: We need to go faster and with urgency. We can always be going faster. We need to look at our strengths and working with them. We have allies, a vibrant commercial space sector… We have a culture of new beginnings. I would say autocratic governments tend to go with single, secretive space programs.
[End]
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