How to Sell to the U.S. Space Force
The United States Space Force (USSF), the newest branch of the U.S. military established in December 2019, is responsible for space operations, space domain awareness, and the development and acquisition of space systems. With an annual budget exceeding $30 billion, the Space Force represents a rapidly growing market for contractors in satellite technology, launch services, cybersecurity, ground systems, and advanced analytics.
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Space Systems Command (SSC)
Space Systems Command (SSC), headquartered at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California, is the Space Force's primary acquisition organization. SSC develops, acquires, and sustains lethal and resilient space capabilities for the joint force. It manages the full portfolio of space acquisition programs, from satellites and launch vehicles to ground control systems and space domain awareness sensors.
SSC consolidated the former Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) and several other organizations into a unified command. Its program executive offices cover Launch Enterprise (launch services and range operations), Space Sensing (missile warning, space domain awareness), Military Satellite Communications, Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (GPS), and Space Command and Control.
For contractors, SSC is the primary point of engagement for space acquisition opportunities. SSC actively conducts market research through industry days, RFIs, and engagement sessions posted on SAM.gov and the SSC website. The command has embraced commercial space partnerships and actively seeks innovative solutions from both traditional defense contractors and commercial space companies.
SpRCO (Space Rapid Capabilities Office)
The Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO) is a specialized acquisition organization that delivers space capabilities at an accelerated pace. SpRCO operates outside the traditional acquisition framework to rapidly prototype, develop, and deploy space systems that address urgent national security needs.
SpRCO uses streamlined acquisition authorities, including Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) pathways, and rapid contracting mechanisms to compress development timelines from years to months. This makes SpRCO particularly attractive for agile companies that can deliver quickly and iterate based on operator feedback.
Companies working with SpRCO should expect fast-paced proposal timelines, technical interchanges with operators, and an emphasis on demonstrated capability over paperwork. SpRCO values companies that can deliver working prototypes quickly and have the engineering depth to transition prototypes into operational systems.
Key Space Force Programs
GPS (Global Positioning System)
The GPS enterprise is one of the Space Force's largest programs, encompassing the satellite constellation (GPS III/IIIF), ground control segment (OCX), military user equipment, and modernized signals (M-code). Contracts span satellite manufacturing (Lockheed Martin GPS III), ground system software and integration, user equipment development, and anti-jamming technologies. The supply chain includes hundreds of subcontractors providing electronics, antennas, software, and testing services.
Satellite Communications (SATCOM)
Military SATCOM programs include AEHF (Advanced Extremely High Frequency), WGS (Wideband Global SATCOM), and next-generation protected tactical communications. The Space Force is increasingly procuring commercial SATCOM services alongside dedicated military systems, creating opportunities for commercial satellite operators and managed service providers.
Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
Tracking objects in orbit and maintaining awareness of the space environment is a growing priority. Programs include the Space Fence (Kwajalein Atoll), deep-space surveillance sensors, and space situational awareness software. The Space Force contracts for sensor systems, data analytics, machine learning algorithms, and orbital mechanics modeling.
Missile Warning and Defense
Space-based missile warning systems like SBIRS (Space-Based Infrared System) and its follow-on Next-Gen OPIR provide critical early warning of missile launches. These programs require infrared sensor technology, satellite bus manufacturing, ground processing systems, and algorithm development for threat detection and characterization.
Small Business Opportunities in Space
Despite the perception that space programs are dominated by large primes, the Space Force actively promotes small business participation. SSC maintains an Office of Small Business Programs that manages set-aside goals and identifies subcontracting opportunities on major programs. Many space programs have small business subcontracting plans requiring primes to direct meaningful work to small firms.
The commercial space revolution has opened new pathways for small businesses. Companies providing commercial satellite imagery, communications services, space data analytics, ground terminal equipment, and software-defined capabilities increasingly compete for Space Force contracts. The Space Force's SpaceWERX program (modeled on AFWERX) specifically targets innovative small businesses and startups with space-relevant technologies.
SpaceWERX conducts SBIR/STTR solicitations focused on space technology needs, including advanced propulsion, on-orbit servicing, debris removal, cyber-hardened space systems, and autonomous satellite operations. SpaceWERX also hosts Hyperspace Challenge events that connect startups with Space Force operators to solve specific mission problems.
How Space Force Procurement Differs from Air Force
While the Space Force was carved out of the Air Force, its procurement culture and approach have diverged significantly. The Space Force is leaner and more willing to adopt commercial practices, reflecting its origins in a period of acquisition reform. Space Force acquisition leadership has emphasized speed, commercial integration, and risk tolerance.
Key differences include greater use of commercial service contracts (buying satellite capacity rather than building satellites), more frequent use of OTAs and Middle Tier acquisition authorities, smaller program offices with delegated authority, and active engagement with the venture capital and commercial space communities. The Space Force has also been more willing to accept commercial standards and specifications rather than requiring military-unique solutions.
Operationally, Space Force still uses Department of the Air Force contracting infrastructure, including the same financial systems, contracting officers, and many of the same regulations (FAR and DFARS). But the acquisition philosophy — emphasizing speed, iteration, and commercial technology adoption — creates a meaningfully different experience for contractors compared to traditional Air Force programs.
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