Insider Brief:
- The U.S. Space Force has asked Congress for over $1 billion to cover high-priority initiatives that were not included in its fiscal 2025 budget request.
- Of the total amount asked for, $846 million is allocated to classified projects, with the remaining $305 million directed toward enhancing the resilience of Space Force systems and bolstering training capabilities.
- In a recent announcement, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall emphasized the need for enhanced resilience in positioning, navigation, and timing, along with additional communication enhancements.
- Image credit: US Space Force
The Space Force has petitioned Congress for over $1 billion to support a range of initiatives not covered in its fiscal 2025 budget request, according to documents obtained by C4ISRNET. Of the total amount sought, $846 million is allocated to classified projects, with the remaining $305 million directed towards enhancing the resilience of Space Force systems and bolstering training capabilities.
This annual appeal to Congress is common, with similar requests coming from other military branches and commands, outlining programs deemed vital but omitted from the official budget. The disclosed projects make clear the Space Force’s strategy to fortify its satellite and ground systems against potential threats from adversaries. Notably, the service has been transitioning towards the production of smaller satellites in larger quantities, particularly in critical domains like missile warning and communications.
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, responsible for civilian oversight of the Space Force, expressed concerns that the allocated $29.4 billion for FY25 would adequately support ongoing initiatives but might impede progress in areas such as positioning, navigation, timing, and the predominantly classified counter space endeavours.
Addressing reporters on March 8, Kendall emphasized the need for enhanced resilience in positioning, navigation, and timing, along with additional communication enhancements.
Among the unfunded projects outlined in the request is $159 million earmarked for procuring commercial satellite communications and $9 million designated to enhance power supply at facilities operating wideband SATCOM systems. The request also includes $42.5 million for the Space Development Agency’s satellite fleet, which is crucial to avoiding potential delays in its demonstration and experimentation efforts.
Furthermore, the Space Force seeks $60 million to enhance energy efficiency at Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado and $19 million to expand the National Space Test and Training Complex, aiming to increase the frequency of wargames conducted annually.
An additional $59 million would enable the service to execute up to two additional Rocket Systems Launch Program missions, supporting collaborative science and technology endeavours across various agencies.
The Space Force highlights the significance of restoring RSLP not only for ongoing projects but also for advancing the objectives outlined in the National Defense Strategy, emphasizing the imperative to innovate and ensure space security.
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