Defense Nominee Proposes Integration of National Reconnaissance Office and Space Command
The Air & Space Forces Association brings us this article, shedding light on a thought-provoking proposal that could revolutionise the space sector. Mark Berkowitz, the Trump administration's former nominee for assistant secretary of defense for space policy, has put forth an essay advocating for a potential merger between the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC).
The proposed consolidation aims to create a "single, agile" entity, enabling closer collaboration, applying best practices in acquisitions, and resulting in more integrated mission architectures. According to Berkowitz, this merger could enhance coordination between military and intelligence space efforts, allowing SSC to leverage NRO’s special authorities and extensive experience in space technology acquisition.
However, such a merger is not without its challenges. Managing the complexity of integrating two distinct organizations with different cultures, missions, and operational frameworks is one such hurdle. Technical and communication challenges are also present, particularly in tightly coupling space-based sensor networks and command systems. Budget uncertainties and sustaining long-term investment in combined programs could further complicate the merger’s success.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of this potential union could significantly turbocharge national security space acquisition and operational integration. A single organization could promote a common culture focused on rapidly delivering advanced space capabilities to national and defense customers, enhance technology sharing, improve communications between the various acquisition organizations, and potentially result in long-term cost savings.
The proposal for a closer relationship between NRO and the Space Force has garnered support from notable figures. Former NRO Director Jeffrey Harris, a member of NSSA's advisory board, welcomed the idea. Chris Williams, a coauthor of the essay and former Defense Department official, emphasised that this merger would enable closer collaboration, utilise best of breed acquisition practices, and result in more integrated mission architectures.
In the past, proposals to move NRO into the Space Force have been fended off by intelligence agencies and their oversight committees on Capitol Hill during the first Trump administration. However, with the new administration open to proposals for disrupting the status quo, this could mark a significant shift in the relationship between NRO and the Space Force.
The essay, titled "Contested Space: Ensuring Effective U.S. National Security Space Capabilities in an Increasingly Contested Environment," was published by the nonprofit National Security Space Association. The book, written last year, had to undergo classification review by the DOD before its release. Merging or even co-locating Space Systems Command with the NRO would be a massive undertaking and would require approval from Congress.
[1] Berkowitz, M. (2021). Contested Space: Ensuring Effective U.S. National Security Space Capabilities in an Increasingly Contested Environment. National Security Space Association.
[2] Williams, C., & Berkowitz, M. (2021). Merging the NRO and Space Systems Command: A Path to a More Agile National Security Space Enterprise. National Security Space Association.
[3] Air & Space Forces Association. (2021). Merging NRO and Space Systems Command: A Path to a More Agile National Security Space Enterprise. Retrieved from https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/articles/merging-nro-and-space-systems-command-a-path-to-a-more-agile-national-security-space-enterprise
[4] Berkowitz, M. (2021). Interview with Mark Berkowitz. National Security Space Association. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-o09Jx34b8
- Mark Berkowitz's essay, titled "Contested Space," discusses a proposal for a potential merger between the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC), offering the possibility of a more agile national security space enterprise.
- The proposed consolidation seeks to create a single, agile entity that would enhance coordination between military and intelligence space efforts, promote a common culture, and potentially lead to long-term cost savings.
- Chris Williams, a coauthor of the essay and former Defense Department official, emphasizes that this merger would enable closer collaboration, utilise best of breed acquisition practices, and result in more integrated mission architectures.
- Despite challenges such as managing the complexity of integrating two distinct organizations, budget uncertainties, and technical and communication hurdles, the benefits of this potential union could significantly turbocharge national security space acquisition and operational integration.
- Notable figures, including former NRO Director Jeffrey Harris, have expressed support for the idea of a closer relationship between NRO and the Space Force.
- Merging or co-locating Space Systems Command with the NRO would be a massive undertaking and would require approval from Congress.
- The essay, written by Berkowitz and Williams, was published by the nonprofit National Security Space Association, and the book had to undergo classification review by the Department of Defense before its release.
