Report: Space Force transitioning to new model for the defense of space

WASHINGTON — An analysis of the U.S. Space Force’s budget proposed for fiscal year 2025 indicates the service is embracing a new approach to military satellite architectures. 

The analysis, released June 6 by the Aerospace Corporation, finds that in contrast to past practices favoring larger, more complex and exquisite systems, the Space Force is now aggressively pursuing proliferated networks of simpler and cheaper spacecraft, an influx of commercially derived satellite assets, and increased leveraging of services provided by private space companies. 

The service’s latest budget request aims to create more resilient space systems able to withstand and rapidly recover from potential attacks in orbit, writes Sam Wilson, systems director at Aerospace’s Center for Space Policy and Strategy.