MILITARY SPACE PROGRAMS: Opportunities to Reduce Missile Warning andCommunication Satellites' Costs

摘要

DSP and Milstar are two of DOD's major multi-billion dollar space programs thatwere designed to operate in a global nuclear ballistic missile confrontation with the former Soviet Union. The histories of these programs have demonstrated DOD's commitment to develop advanced and sophisticated space-based technology to effectively deter the Soviet threat. However, military requirements now emphasize tactical warfighting capabilities for future regional conflicts. DOD'S action to terminate the current DSP follow-on program and begin a new effort provides an opportunity to fully consider the new tactical requirements. Plans to initiate a new DSP replacement effort in fiscal year 1995 will involve major management considerations, including requirements, cost effectiveness, and affordability. Considering the changed threat and a reduced defense budget, opportunities to make program changes aimed at achieving cost savings deserve increased attention. However, changes in the national security space community's culture will have to occur in order to achieve more substantive changes in DOD's acquisition, operation, and use of space assets.