{"id":33808,"date":"2019-10-25T12:00:43","date_gmt":"2019-10-25T12:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2019\/10\/25\/how-acquisition-reform-can-give-the-us-a-strategic-advantage-in-space\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T22:46:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T22:46:13","slug":"how-acquisition-reform-can-give-the-us-a-strategic-advantage-in-space","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/commentary\/2019\/10\/25\/how-acquisition-reform-can-give-the-us-a-strategic-advantage-in-space\/","title":{"rendered":"How acquisition reform can give the US a strategic advantage in space"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are myriad important national security issues at play as conferees work to finalize the fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. As we consider the future of America\u2019s security, one of the most critical issues involves the future of national security space launch, or NSSL, and our long-term assured access to space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the Space Force, one of President Donald Trump\u2019s marquee defense initiatives, has become a lightning rod within the defense community and in Congress, decisions made about the lesser-known Phase 2 Launch Services Procurement will be vital to ensuring America\u2019s success in the new space race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technological advancements by China and Russia over the past decade have eroded the United States\u2019 strategic advantage in space. The Air Force Research Laboratory and the Defense Innovation Unit<\/a> have cautioned that only by building a robust industrial base can the United States outpace its adversaries in the development of new space capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part of the effort to ensure the United States maintains its competitive edge is to make certain the defense space acquisition system is as swift and agile as possible. The Department of Defense has taken some action in this direction, but more is left to be done, particularly to keep up with our near-peer competitors in space. This will require more fully embracing the innovations taking place in the commercial space launch market<\/a> and promoting competition among providers to deliver the best capabilities at the lowest cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\t