Easing the classification of some U.S. military space programs and missions can help strengthen the international space supply chain, an effort that Space Systems Command is now working with U.K. and Canadian stakeholders, SSC spokesperson Edgar Nava told Defense News.
Nava said SSC also expects to collaborate with other countries in creating the space supply chain strategy, which could be finalized as early as fiscal year 2025.
He said a more open classification of U.S. military space programs or missions would be particularly useful for a strategy on “repeatability of components,” which impacts cost and performance across global chain networks.
According to a C4ISRNET report, the Department of Defense has already taken steps to ease its information-sharing policy on some of its classified space programs.
In October, SSC initiated the strategizing effort on the international space supply chain by hosting a “reverse industry day,” with invited representatives from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany and Japan.
The U.S. 2023 State of the Space Industrial Base report specifies the supply chains for satellites, launch infrastructure and advanced communications as areas that need collaboration among international partners.
The Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 GovCon International Summit on Oct. 10 will convene key public and private sector leaders to discuss how international partnerships and emerging technologies are reshaping the defense landscape. To learn more about the event and stay up-to-date on speaker confirmations, click here.