Improve the science and technology processes related to space for the United States Space Force.

Key Chapter Title List

1. Introduction
2. Influencing the Execution of Space Science and Technology
3. Understanding the Role of Accelerated Acquisition
4. Managing the Joint Space Science and Technology Portfolio
5. Coordinating Science and Technology Activities within the U.S. Space Ecosystem
6. Assessing the Health of the Space Science and Technology Portfolio
7. Summary of Findings and Recommendations
8. Research Methodology
9. Summary of Portfolio Management Tools
10. Analysis of Joint Funding for Academic Articles in the Space Domain
11. List of Abbreviations
12. References

Document Introduction

As the space domain becomes a critical battlefield for great power competition, the United States Space Force (USSF) faces the core challenge of how to build more resilient and capable space systems through revolutionary and incremental means. This report focuses on the central issue of optimizing the management of the space research portfolio through the collaboration of the USSF, the Department of the Air Force (DAF), and the broader U.S. space science and technology ecosystem, aiming to address structural problems in the current guidance, oversight, and execution of space science and technology research and development investments.

The report systematically evaluates five core challenges in USSF space science and technology management: insufficient influence over industry-funded space S&T priorities, lack of control over the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) research agenda, fragmentation of the research portfolio, the crowding-out effect of accelerated acquisition on space S&T investment, and insufficient coordination within the space S&T ecosystem. These challenges directly impact the maintenance of U.S. technological advantage and long-term competitiveness in the space domain.

To address these issues, the report employs multiple analytical methods, including in-depth interviews with subject matter experts, literature review, budget analysis, and in-depth examination of recent successful space S&T cases. Research data is sourced from publicly available materials and internal interviews with agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, NASA, and the NRO, covering policy documents, budget data, and industry trends from 2022-2023, ensuring the objectivity and timeliness of the analysis.

The report's structure revolves around the core challenges, sequentially exploring key factors influencing space S&T execution, the role of accelerated acquisition, the application of portfolio management tools, cross-agency collaboration strategies, and the evaluation framework for the space S&T portfolio. Through an analysis of funding allocation and management mechanisms across different R&D stages (e.g., Basic Research 6.1, Applied Research 6.2, Advanced Technology Development 6.3), it reveals structural issues within USSF R&D investment, such as a bias towards later-stage projects and insufficient funding for long-term exploratory science and technology.

Key findings include: space S&T development is not a linear process and relies on feedback mechanisms to align force design with the application of emerging technologies; R&D and capability development within the space research ecosystem often exist in silos, limiting the formation of shared requirements and effective collaboration; the USSF has limited influence over industry-funded space S&T, making it difficult to effectively signal its interests and priorities. Based on these findings, the report proposes a series of policy recommendations, including rebalancing the ratio of science and technology to R&D budgets, allocating a portion of S&T funds as venture capital, and strengthening cross-agency coordination mechanisms.

This report provides a comprehensive analytical framework and practical recommendations for the U.S. Space Force, defense policymakers, and researchers in the field of space science and technology. It holds significant reference value for understanding U.S. space power development strategy, the operational mechanisms of the space S&T ecosystem, and the dynamics of great power competition in space.