The U.S. Space Force anticipates awarding up to 20 contracts over the next two years for the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR). This initiative aims to enable the military to leverage commercial capabilities more effectively during both peacetime and conflict.
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, who oversees the Space Force, approved the CASR program last year. Following this approval, the Commercial Space Office has developed an implementation strategy, including drafting contractual language for participating companies.
Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein announced plans to award five contracts in 2025 and an additional 15 in 2026. These contracts will specify the types of commercial capabilities required in peacetime and outline a pricing structure for accessing increased capacity during conflict.
During remarks at the National Security Innovation Forum in Washington, Gen. Guetlein stated, “We’ve got a few things to work through about governance and contracting strategies,” and expressed hope for the initial contracts to be awarded in 2025.
The Space Force’s acquisition branch, Space Systems Command, had previously indicated it was working toward establishing a commercial space reserve. In February 2023, the office engaged with industry stakeholders and formed a task force to address legal, policy, and contracting questions.
The development of the CASR strategy has incorporated feedback from multiple companies to ensure a mutual understanding of the requirements and risks involved in reliance on commercial systems during crises. Gen. Guetlein emphasized the necessity for redundant capabilities and excess capacity when preparing for potential conflicts with peers like China or Russia, stating, “What we know about this next fight is it’s not going to be efficient.”
Furthermore, the CASR initiative faces challenges regarding the extent of military dependence on commercial capabilities during wartime. This concern was highlighted in September 2023 when Elon Musk of SpaceX chose not to activate Starlink satellites in parts of Ukraine for fear of escalating the conflict, demonstrating potential vulnerabilities in commercial support during military operations.
The Space Force is currently formulating contract language to address scenarios of “denial of service,” and it is consulting the Office of the Secretary of Defense on possible compensatory measures for companies whose systems are attacked by adversaries. The solution may involve considerations for wartime insurance as part of the CASR program.
Selected companies will also participate in Defense Department war games, with the inaugural CASR event scheduled for February 2025, which will help assess regional capacity needs.
While initial funding for CASR has been secured from Congress, further financial requirements are still being evaluated. Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, head of Space Systems Command, emphasized the importance of integrating CASR needs into the program’s acquisition strategy from the outset.
Courtney Albon, the reporter behind this coverage, has been reporting on military matters, particularly the Air Force and Space Force, since 2012, focusing on significant acquisition, budget, and policy issues within the Defense Department.
