Space Systems Command (SSC)

From Defense Knowledge

Space Systems Command (SSC) is a field command of the United States Space Force (USSF) responsible for acquiring, developing, fielding, and sustaining space-based systems. SSC's primary mission is to provide resilient, capable, and innovative space solutions to meet the demands of the Department of Defense (DoD) and allied partners. Headquartered at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California, SSC operates as the cornerstone for national security space operations.

Mission Statement

"Delivering innovation and excellence in space capabilities to maintain the United States' dominance in the domain of space."

Core Responsibilities

  1. Space Acquisition and Procurement:
    1. Developing and managing contracts for advanced space systems.
    2. Partnering with commercial entities to integrate cutting-edge technologies.
  2. Research and Development (R&D):
    1. Supporting early-stage technology development for space-based assets.
    2. Collaborating with government labs, academia, and private industry
  3. Lifecycle Management:
    1. Ensuring the sustainment, modernization, and upgrade of deployed systems.
    2. Overseeing satellite decommissioning and space debris mitigation.
  4. Operational Support:
    1. Providing systems that enhance Space Domain Awareness (SDA), missile warning, secure communications, and navigation.
    2. Coordinating with the operational units of the USSF for field deployments.

Organizational Structure

SSC is organized into the following key divisions to streamline operations and align its strategic goals with the broader objectives of the Space Force

Development Corps

  • Focus: R&D, prototyping, and rapid acquisition.
  • Notable Programs: Space Development Agency (SDA) low-earth orbit (LEO) constellations, advanced satellite payloads, and next-generation launch vehicles.

Production Corps

  • Focus: Mass production and deployment of mature space technologies.
  • Notable Programs: GPS III satellites, Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS), and National Security Space Launch (NSSL).

Enterprise Corps

  • Focus: Infrastructure development and enterprise-level services.
  • Responsibilities: Cybersecurity of space assets, integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in command-and-control systems, and digital engineering.

Space Systems Integration Office

  • Focus: Coordination among DoD stakeholders, allied partners, and commercial industry.
  • Responsibilities: Cross-program integration and alignment with strategic objectives.

Program Executive Offices (PEOs)

SSC manages acquisitions through six Program Executive Offices (PEOs), each with full authority and accountability within its area of expertise:

Assured Access to Space (AATS)

  • PEO: Brigadier General Kristin L. Panzenhagen
  • Mission: Ensures reliable and efficient access to space for national security payloads, managing launch services and infrastructure to support various missions.

Space Sensing

  • PEO: Colonel Robert W. Davis
  • Mission: Delivers persistent, resilient all-domain awareness by leading the acquisition, development, and sustainment of missile warning, tracking, defense, and space-based environmental monitoring systems.

Space Domain Awareness & Combat Power

  • PEO: Colonel Bryon E. C. McClain
    • Mission: Provides systems that detect, warn, characterize, attribute, and predict threats to space systems, delivering capabilities to counter identified threats and ensure space superiority.

 Military Communication & Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (MilComm & PNT)

  • PEO: Cordell A. DeLaPena, Jr. aka "Dell"
  • Mission: Develops, produces, delivers, and maintains critical military communication and PNT systems, ensuring resilient and innovative capabilities for global operations.

Battle Management Command, Control & Communications (BMC3)

  • PEO: Shannon Pallone
  • Mission: Advances operational and tactical command and control capabilities for space, leading the modernization and sustainment of the Satellite Control Network and delivering integrated space C3 systems.

Operational Test & Training Infrastructure (OTTI)

  • PEO: Colonel Corey J. Klopstein
  • Mission: Oversees the development and sustainment of test and training infrastructure, ensuring that space systems are rigorously evaluated and that personnel are proficient in operating these systems.

Organizational BREAKDOWN

  1. Commander, Space Systems Command
    • Reports directly to the Chief of Space Operations (CSO).
    • Oversees all strategic and operational activities within SSC.
  2. Vice Commander, Space Systems Command
    • Assists the Commander in strategic planning and operational execution.
    • Focuses on cross-functional alignment and coordination.
  3. Chief Engineer, SSC
    • Leads the technical review and systems engineering processes.
    • Ensures alignment with mission requirements and technical standards.
  4. Development Corps Director
    • Manages R&D initiatives and prototyping efforts.
    • Oversees collaboration with the Space Development Agency.
  5. Production Corps Director
    • Oversees production activities for mature space technologies.
    • Ensures timely delivery of mission-critical systems.
  6. Enterprise Corps Director
    • Focuses on IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and enterprise services.
    • Leads digital transformation efforts.
  7. Integration Office Director
    • Facilitates communication and coordination across programs and stakeholders.
    • Ensures alignment with DoD and allied objectives.
  8. Program Executive Offices (PEOs):
    • Each PEO focuses on specific mission areas, such as missile warning, SDA, or protected communications.

Key Programs

1. Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR):

   - Provides advanced missile detection and tracking capabilities.

   - Features enhanced resilience against adversarial counter-space threats.

2. National Security Space Launch (NSSL):

   - Ensures access to space for national security payloads.

   - Manages contracts with SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and emerging providers.

3. GPS III and GPS IIIF:

   - Offers precision navigation and timing (PNT) capabilities for military and civilian use.

   - Improves anti-jamming and signal integrity.

4. Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS):

   - A missile warning system that provides persistent global surveillance.

5. Commercial Integration:

   - Facilitating partnerships with private industry through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC).

Partnerships:

SSC actively collaborates with various entities to foster innovation:

- Government Agencies: NASA, DARPA, NRO (National Reconnaissance Office), and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).

- Allied Partners: Focus on interoperability and joint missions with NATO, Five Eyes nations, and other key allies.

- Commercial Sector: Contracts with SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Blue Origin, and other aerospace leaders.

Strategic Initiatives:

1. Digital Transformation:

   - Adopting model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and digital twins.

   - Leveraging AI/ML for predictive maintenance and mission planning.

2. Space Resiliency:

   - Developing disaggregated architectures to mitigate single points of failure.

   - Deploying proliferated LEO constellations for redundancy and survivability.

3. Rapid Fielding:

   - Implementing "Agile Acquisitions" to accelerate technology delivery.

   - Establishing "Space CAMP" (Commercial Agile Mission Partnerships) for rapid prototyping.

4. Talent Development:

   - Recruiting STEM professionals through initiatives like the Space Force University Partnership Program (UPP).

   - Building in-house expertise through training and professional certifications.

Industry Considerations and Projections:

The evolving landscape of U.S. space programs under the current administration provides significant opportunities for industry stakeholders.

Key Developments:

- Budgetary Allocations:

   - The fiscal year 2025 budget request reflects a robust $25.4 billion allocation to NASA, supporting programs like Artemis and Earth science missions.

   - The Space Development Agency (SDA) projects $25.5 billion investments over the next five years for proliferated LEO satellite constellations, enhancing operational resilience.

Strategic Focus Areas:

1. Commercial Integration:

   - Expanding public-private partnerships to leverage commercial capabilities.

   - Utilizing initiatives like the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) to engage non-traditional vendors.

2. Technological Innovation:

   - Emphasis on AI/ML integration, digital engineering, and predictive analytics to drive operational efficiency.

3. Space Policy and Sustainability:

   - Addressing space debris and ensuring sustainable orbital practices.

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