Space Force Program Office Helps Pentagon Agencies Collaborate on Missile-Warning Satellites

A collaborative program office the U.S. Space Force established in 2022 has enabled Pentagon agencies developing missile warning and tracking satellites to share technical information, resolve challenges and clarify responsibility for various elements of the space architecture.

The program office, consisting of the Space Development Agency, Space Systems Command and Missile Defense Agency, was created following criticisms from lawmakers and the Government Accountability Office regarding a lack of coordination between the agencies, resulting in work duplication, C4ISRNET reported.

The office conducts regular working group meetings and summits. In an interview during the 2023 Space Symposium, Col. Brian Denaro, SSC’s program executive officer for space sensing, said the collaboration enabled SDA and SSC to co-fund technologies that both organizations require for their satellite projects, including focal planes and crosslinks.

The partnership also addresses supply chain issues and provides the industry with contract opportunities. According to Army Col. Alex Rasmussen, program manager for the SDA’s second tranche of missile tracking satellites, the collaboration between the agencies makes competition consistent and predictable, allowing companies to invest in technologies the agencies will look for.