#United States #Washington #Space Force #NSSA #US National Security

NSSA Calls for Increased Space Force Funding

The National Security Space Association (NSSA) has recently published a compelling position paper titled "Double Down on the Space Force Budget," advocating for a substantial increase in the U.S. Space Force budget to $60 billion. This call to action is rooted in escalating global threats, particularly from nations such as China and Russia, which are enhancing their counter space capabilities.

The Urgency of Action

As detailed in the NSSA's position paper, the proposed budget increase is essential for maintaining U.S. leadership in space. Executive Director of NSSA Steve Jacques highlighted the transformative steps taken in establishing the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Space Command. However, he warns that ongoing developments by rival nations pose a growing risk to American national security and global stability. According to Jacques, the rapid military-civil fusion strategy of China and Russia's investments in space-based threats are diminishing U.S. dominance in space.

"The establishment of the U.S. Space Force was a groundbreaking step," Jacques remarked. "However, we must act swiftly to keep pace with adversaries who are advancing their military interests in outer space."

Current Landscape of Space Threats

The NSSA cites several alarming developments:

• - China has launched hundreds of military satellites and is developing hypersonic weapons.
• - Russia is deploying reconnaissance satellites aimed at U.S. military assets and is reportedly working on nuclear-armed anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons.

If the U.S. fails to respond adequately, it stands to lose strategic advantages, jeopardizing military operations as well as commercial interests that rely on space infrastructure.

Key Recommendations for Congress

In its recommendations, the NSSA emphasizes the need for a structured increment in budget allocation to support a variety of critical operations. The proposed funding is aimed at enhancing missile warning and tracking systems, counterspace operations, intelligence and surveillance networks, secure satellite communications, and rapid launch capabilities.

However, simply increasing funding is insufficient. The NSSA urges Congress to reform procurement processes to eliminate existing inefficiencies and to streamline acquisitions that would enable faster deployment of essential capabilities. Additionally, they propose the creation of mission-focused budget line items and the establishment of flexible appropriations to quickly adjust resources in response to emerging threats.

The NSSA stresses the importance of fostering partnerships with the commercial space sector to drive innovation while ensuring that military needs remain at the forefront of investment decisions.

Conclusion

As the budget discussions for the Fiscal Year 2026 begin, the NSSA strongly urges both Congress and the Executive Branch to integrate these recommendations into the upcoming budget requests. Securing bipartisan support for sustained funding is crucial for establishing a long-term commitment to U.S. space supremacy.

With global dynamics shifting rapidly in space, the time for decisive action is now to ensure that the U.S. remains the world's leading space power. The NSSA's paper can be reviewed in full here.