US Space Force Requests Over $1 Billion for Important Projects

Defense News ,U.S :-  The Space Force wants more than $1 billion for important projects. These projects are not part of its budget request for 2025. The list of projects is mostly secret, but some details were obtained by C4ISRNET.

Most of the money, about $846 million, is for secret projects. The rest, about $305 million, will be used to make Space Force systems stronger and improve training.

Every year, the military sends a list to Congress. This list includes projects they want to fund but weren't included in the budget request.

Space Force wants to make sure its satellites and systems on the ground are strong enough to handle threats. They are focusing on making smaller satellites in large numbers for things like missile warnings and communications.

The Air Force Secretary, Frank Kendall, who oversees the Space Force, said they have enough money to continue some projects. But they need more to work on other important missions like positioning, navigation, timing, and secret projects related to countering threats in space.

Kendall said, "We need to find a way to make our positioning, navigation, and timing more resilient. And there are other communication things we need to do."

They are asking for $159 million to buy commercial satellite communications. Another $9 million will be used to improve power at certain facilities that operate wideband SATCOM systems.

Space Development Agency's project for demonstration and experimentation satellites needs $42.5 million. Without more money, this project might be delayed.

They also want $60 million to make Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado more energy efficient. And $19 million will go to the National Space Test and Training Complex to increase the number of wargames they do every year.

Another $59 million would allow them to do two more Rocket Systems Launch Program missions. These missions support science and technology work for the Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, NASA, and the Missile Defense Agency.

The Space Force said, "Restoring RSLP is not just about keeping projects going. It's crucial for reaching the goals set by the National Defense Strategy to innovate and keep space secure."