One of the main themes emanating from USAF’s review of its headquarters-level space functions is that the Air Force Secretary currently lacks the authority to effectively manage military space issues across the Department of Defense. This is problematic because the Secretary is still DOD’s executive agent for space. The responsibilities currently assigned “are no longer supported with empowering and matching authorities,” reads the review. In fact, the EA “lacks the authority necessary to address and resolve space issues within DOD,” states the document. It’s ultimately up to the Office of the Secretary of Defense to decide what authorities the EA for space should have. Discussions between Air Force and OSD officials are ongoing “to clarify the specific roles,” according to the review. Air Force officials, including Secretary Michael Donley, have said they would like to see milestone decision authority returned to USAF’s purview. (Space management review) Continue
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.
