Study on Space-Based ISR to Conclude Soon, Space Force Official Says

The U.S. Space Force’s vice chief of space operations said a study on splitting responsibilities for space-based ISR will be concluded soon.

Speaking at a Mitchell Institute-hosted event, Gen. David Thompson shared that the Department of Defense and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence are identifying the different needs between national and strategic reconnaissance and military use cases for ISR. Thompson, who spoke at the Potomac Officers Club’s “Space: Innovations, Programs & Policies Summit” in 2017, added that the conclusion of the report will answer questions about imagery satellite tasking.

The study was commissioned by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and DNI Avril Haines, both of whom are 2023 Wash100 awardees, Breaking Defense reported Monday.

Beyond the study, Thompson said the Space Force is working with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency to acquire commercial ISR for military use.

The military branches are also on board with ISR modernization.

The U.S. Air Force said in late May that it wants to improve ISR capabilities through digital infrastructure modernization. According to Lt. Gen. Leah Lauderback, deputy chief of staff for ISR and cyber effects operations at the Air Force, enhancing the sensing grid would improve data collection and management.

The Air Force’s ISR modernization plan was first published in the 2018 Next-Generation ISR Dominance Flight Plan.