US Space Force Tasks New Office With Enhancing Private Sector Engagement

The U.S. Space Force has tasked the Commercial Space Office to help the service integrate commercial space capabilities.

The new office will oversee the SpaceWERX technology hub and the Space Systems Command’s Front Door, an online portal that companies can use to find acquisition opportunities within the service. The office will also lead efforts to create a “Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve,” which will use commercial capabilities to support the service in emergency situations.

The CASR concept would work similarly to the Civil Reserve Air Fleet, a program where commercial airlines support the U.S. government during emergencies.

Col. Richard Kniseley, head of the Commercial Space Office, said in an interview during the Space Symposium on April 18 that the office’s framework is being crafted, C4ISRNET reported.

Kniseley also said he wants companies to gain greater access to the space domain awareness market, allowing them to compete for contracts and support key mission areas.

The Space Force rebranded the Commercial Services Office to the Commercial Space Office in April as part of the service’s efforts to strengthen its partnership with the private sector.