OPINION: Space today is a contested domain full of potential threats

The U.S. Space Force is a critical component of our nation’s defense. As the newest branch of the U.S. military, the Space Force is responsible for protecting and defending our nation’s interests in space. This includes everything from satellite communications and navigation to missile warning and defense.

The Space Force is also working to develop new capabilities, such as agile protection and defense systems, which enable us to stay ahead of emerging threats, hold adversary space systems at risk, and be prepared if deterrence fails.

As the director of the U.S. Space Force’s Space Rapid Capabilities Office, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible potential of collaboration between the government and the space industry. Established in 2018, Space RCO is a direct-reporting unit of the Space Force, responsible for acquiring space and ground systems that protect and defend against threats. Our mission is to rapidly develop and field space capabilities that meet the evolving needs of our nation’s defense.

In the state of New Mexico, where Space RCO is headquartered, we have collaborated with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Systems Command Innovations and Prototyping Delta headquartered at Kirtland Air Force Base, and local educational institutions, such as the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College, to stay on the leading edge of innovation.

Over the past five years, Space RCO has tripled in size, attracting top talent from across the nation. Our military personnel have achieved an impressive 100% promotion rate, and our civilians have been recognized for their outstanding contributions at the Space Force level. This success is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team, as well as the support of our local partnerships.

In today’s world, space is no longer a sanctuary but a contested domain. The Space Force is working to ensure that we maintain our advantage in space, and Space RCO is playing a critical role in this effort. I am proud to be a part of this team, and I am committed to continuing our work to protect and defend our nation’s interests in space.

One of the key factors that sets Space RCO apart is our commitment to collaboration with the space industry. We believe that by working together with industry partners, we can tap into the latest innovations and expertise and accelerate the development of cutting-edge space capabilities. This approach has proven to be highly successful, with our partnerships yielding significant benefits in terms of speed, agility and cost-effectiveness.

Collaboration with the space industry is vital for several reasons.

First, it allows us to leverage the expertise and resources of industry partners who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. This enables us to develop and field space capabilities that are tailored to meet the specific needs of our nation’s defense.

Second, collaboration fosters a spirit of innovation and experimentation, which is essential for staying ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving space domain.

Space RCO is a vital component of the Space Force, and our commitment to collaboration with the space industry is a key factor in our success. By working together, we can unlock the full potential of space-based capabilities and ensure that our nation remains safe and secure in the face of emerging threats.

As we continue to face new challenges in the space domain, I am confident that with the help of our industry partners, we will continue to lead the USSF in shaping the future of space-based defense.

Kelly D. Hammett is the director and program executive officer for the Space Rapid Capabilities Office at Kirtland Air Force Base. He and his team are responsible for protecting and defending U.S. interests in space — from satellite communications and navigation to missile warning and defense.