Ruppersberger Discusses New Satellite Report Outlining Key Steps to Restore Preeminence in Space

(Washington, D.C.)- Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) discussed a new satellite report outlining key steps to restore preeminence in space.  Congressman Ruppersberger released the report as part of his work as Chairman of the Technical and Tactical Intelligence Subcommittee.

“The United States is losing its preeminence in space.  A once robust partnership between the U.S. Government and the American space industry has been weakened by years of demanding space programs, the exponential complexity of technology, and an inattention to acquisition discipline. …  American dominance in space is diminishing.  The purpose of this report is to find out why,” reads the Report on Challenges and Recommendations for United States Overhead Architecture. 

The report found: 

There is no comprehensive strategic plan for satellites, or what is known as “overhead architecture”.  America runs the risk of not being able to satisfy its national security needs without a plan in place.  This could harm efforts to protect our country here at home as well as in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other hot spots around the world.

Recommendation: The Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of Defense need to develop a comprehensive plan for overhead architecture – including imagery, signals, and communications.   

Space programs are jointly funded through the National Intelligence Program (NIP) and the Military Intelligence Program (MIP).  The lack of a comprehensive plan and one person making decisions causes program starts and stops.

Recommendation: With a comprehensive plan and clear decision-making authority in place, the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Defense can much more easily agree on funding decisions.  The Executive Branch must review and recommend changes to the law to clarify who is in charge of jointly funded programs.    

Research and development receives inconsistent and inadequate funding and lacks clearly defined goals, causing unpredictable results.

Recommendation:  Programs must clearly define what needs to be accomplished in research and development, pre-acquisition, and the development phases in order to have a successful satellite program. 

The government’s expectations of the commercial data providers are inconsistent and ambiguous.  Many times the government does not communicate what it wants.

Recommendation:  The Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense must define more clearly the government’s expectations regarding the use of commercial services and develop the systems needed to more easily access and deliver data to government customers.

Current statutes and regulations seriously hinder the space industry, specifically ITAR – the International Traffic in Arms Regulation

Recommendation:  The government must review the impact of ITAR and other statutes and regulations that affect the space industry and ensure they do not unnecessarily hinder the industry’s successes. 

Report on Challenges and Recommendations for United States Overhead Architecture was put together after months of meetings, in-depth analysis, and “tabletop” exercises held by Congressman Ruppersberger with staff from the National Reconnaissance Office, the National Security Agency, and commercial satellite companies.  Congressman Ruppersberger presented the findings from his report as part of the Space Foundation’s breakfast series today at the City Club of Washington. 

“We are the strongest country in the world because we control the skies.  We must stay ahead of the curve to keep our families here at home and our military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world safe.  I hope this satellite report helps us regain our preeminence in space,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).    

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