A Clean Sheet Approach to Space Acquisition in Light of the New Space Force

Space is becoming increasingly competitive, with potential adversaries rapidly investing in new space capabilities with increasing technical expertise. At the same time, a revolution in space capabilities is being driven by both nontraditional suppliersnew commercial entrants to the space arenaand traditional defense contractors. The newest service, the U.S. Space Force (USSF), has a unique opportunity to take advantage of the widening spectrum of commercial capabilities and create new management processes to respond to the challenge presented by potential adversaries in space. To support this effort, Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) leadership asked RAND Project AIR FORCE to develop a clean sheet acquisition approach designed around the new services unique mission and calling. Our recommendations derive from our analysis of the available literature combined with interviews with more than 45 current and retired senior leaders and space acquisition experts, most with several decades of acquisition and/or operations experience. This report should be of interest to USSF and broader Department of the Air Force (DAF) leadership and those involved in weapon system acquisition across the U.S. Department of Defense.