The RAND Corporation has put forward a report with recommendations aimed at bolstering the Space Force’s capabilities through strategic investments in science and technology.
Central to their proposal is the suggestion to increase the use of venture capital funding.
This approach seeks to empower the Space Force to wield greater influence over the direction of private sector investments in scientific and technological advancements.
Context
In response to concerns about maintaining U.S. technological superiority, particularly in the face of increased investment by countries like China, the Department of Defense’s Space Warfighting Analysis Center commissioned RAND to explore ways to enhance space-focused science and technology initiatives within the Space Force.
The resulting report provides nine recommendations designed to help service leaders navigate challenges such as fostering long-term exploratory research, breaking down bureaucratic silos within the Defense Department, and leveraging commercial innovation more effectively.
Key Findings
The report highlights several critical findings:
- Focus on Immediate vs. Long-term Innovation: Currently, the Space Force primarily allocates resources to later-stage technologies that can be rapidly deployed to support operational needs.
In contrast, long-term research, which holds the potential for groundbreaking discoveries but carries greater uncertainty, receives comparatively less funding. - Limited Influence on Private Sector Investments: Despite the Space Force’s significant role in national security, it has limited influence over how private industries allocate their research and development investments.
This limitation undermines efforts to align private sector innovations with military priorities. - Role of Air Force Research Lab: While the Air Force Research Lab plays a pivotal role in driving the Space Force’s science and technology research agenda, the Space Force lacks formal authority to direct where these resources are allocated.
Recommendations
RAND proposes several actionable recommendations to strengthen the Space Force’s focus on science and technology research and investment:
- Venture Capital Approach: Advocate for the allocation of a portion of the Space Force’s science and technology budget to be managed as venture capital funds through programs like SpaceWERX.
This strategy aims to enhance collaboration with commercial innovators and stimulate high-risk, high-reward research. - Greater Control Over Funding: Grant Space Force officials the authority to direct approximately 20% of the Air Force Research Lab’s space funding.
This measure intends to provide greater flexibility in aligning research efforts with strategic priorities. - Enhanced Oversight: Assign oversight of space science and technology efforts to the office of the assistant secretary of the Air Force for space acquisition.
Additionally, establish a chief technology innovation officer role within the Space Force to address gaps in the broader science and technology portfolio.
Conclusion
Implementing these recommendations is crucial for the Space Force to maintain technological leadership in space operations.
By enhancing its ability to direct research investments and collaborate effectively with the private sector, the Space Force can better address emerging threats and capitalize on opportunities for innovation.
This proactive approach is essential not only for national security but also for advancing the frontiers of space exploration and technology.