WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force released new guidelines for how it will allocate finite launch infrastructure and range resources as commercial demand surges at the nation’s premier space ports, stating that national security missions will take precedence when capacity constraints emerge.
In a document released July 16 titled “USSF Principles for Space Access Resourcing Decisions,” the Space Force reaffirms its support of the commercial industry to help maintain U.S. space access and industrial capacity but cautions that government resources are finite and will be prioritized so that national security concerns take priority.
The guidance comes as the space launch industry has experienced unprecedented growth, with launches from Space Force ranges jumping from just 41 annually three years ago to over 140 in 2024. More than 80% of these launches are now commercial satellite missions, predominantly conducted by SpaceX, which has become the world’s most dominant launch provider.
This surge in activity has created new challenges for the Space Force, which operates and maintains the critical launch infrastructure at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. While the increased commercial activity has provided more launch opportunities for military payloads, it has also strained resources and infrastructure capacity.
National security takes priority
The document, identified as an annex to the Space Force’s broader commercial space strategy published in April 2024, frames space access decisions around several guiding principles. The most significant reaffirms that “assuring space access for national security is the USSF’s priority” — particularly when demand outpaces the capacity of DoD launch ranges and infrastructure.
The Space Force states it will continue to support commercial and hybrid (government-commercial) launches “to the maximum extent practicable,” but only after national security requirements are met.
“For decades, our partnership with the commercial space sector has been instrumental in securing America’s access to space,” said Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, commander of Space Systems Command. “We are committed to making strategic decisions that ensure our national security needs are met, while also fostering a robust and competitive commercial space industry.”
The timing of this guidance is notable given the current launch landscape. Despite the dramatic increase in total launches, only a small fraction of missions — four National Security Space launches in 2024 — are direct Department of Defense operations or other specialized military launches.
Resource constraints
The Space Force emphasizes it is a steward of government infrastructure, and will pursue equitable cost-sharing with commercial users as operational tempo increases. The service notes that demand for operational support and infrastructure sustainment and modernization exceeds current Space Force resources, leading to plans for equitable cost-sharing of multi-use resources and public/private infrastructure investment.
“As a steward of the government’s resources, the USSF defines the desired return on investment to maximize the benefit to national security. In investment and resource allocation decisions, considerations could include maximizing mass to orbit, responsiveness, mission flexibility, or other performance capabilities. Maximizing the return on investment for resources is increasingly important as demand for launch complexes at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base could exceed availability,” the document states.
Framework for decision-making
The annex lists nine principles that will guide the Space Systems Command’s Assured Access to Space office’s decision-making on a variety of resourcing decisions including acquisition strategies, investment priorities and property allocation.
The Assured Access to Space (AATS) office at Space Systems Command is responsible for procuring and managing launch services for the Defense Department, intelligence agencies, allied partners and commercial partners. It maintains and operates launch ranges and facilities.
The Space Force points out that this annex is legally grounded, citing provisions from 10 U.S.C. § 2276 and 10 U.S.C. § 2273, sections of the United States Code that govern commercial space launch cooperation.
This law sets the rules that allow the Department of Defense to work with private companies for space launches using DoD facilities, providing a legal framework for agreements and resource sharing between the military and commercial space industry.