The goal of this initiative is to involve the commercial sector in the formation of an operational space reserve, whose devices will be in standby mode on Earth or in orbit and will be able to deploy in the shortest possible time.
The program is part of the broader Tactical Space Rapid Response strategy (TacRS) and creation of the Commercial Space Reserve (CASR).
Record launch speed: Space powers consider scenarios, during which the satellite should be launched into orbit and approach the target 12 hours after receiving the corresponding command.
High maneuverability: The devices must have a significant supply of fuel (high Delta-V), which will allow them to carry out more than a dozen large-scale maneuvers to change the orbit, persecution, approaching or inspecting other space objects.
Модульність та відкритий стандарт: Військові вимагають відмовитися від закритих архітектур окремих виробників. Усі сенсори та корисні навантаження мають інтегруватися за єдиним відкритим стандартом Handle 2.0, що дозволить швидко змінювати модулі під конкретну місію (Plug-and-Play).
Орбіти роботи: The study covers low (LEO), average (MEO) and highly elliptical orbits (HEO) on the way to geostationary boundaries.
The initiative reflects US preparations for potential conflicts in space amid Russia and China's development of anti-satellite weapons and surveillance satellites. The Space Force is currently collecting information from companies with classified data clearance and successful flight experience since January 2021 year. The appearance of the first such satellites within this branch of the program is expected not earlier 2029 financial year.
At the same time, the general integration of the CASR commercial reserve for basic services (communication, observation, monitoring) should reach operational readiness much earlier – already in autumn 2026 year.
Source: https://spacenews.com