The U.S. Space Force is shifting its acquisition strategy, focusing investment on the development of space payloads – the sensors and instruments carried by satellites – rather than further expanding launch capabilities. This move, announced by Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, the military deputy for space acquisition in the Department of the Air Force, signals a belief that the U.S. Has largely secured access to space through commercial launch providers and now needs to concentrate on the technology in space.
Speaking at a space finance conference in Dallas last week, Purdy outlined a strategy centered on rapid deployment and affordability. With over $24 billion annually dedicated to research and development, the Space Force aims to accelerate the pace of innovation, moving from a two-to-three-year development cycle for new missions to a target of just one week. This ambitious goal hinges on advancements in payload technology, which Purdy identified as “the last frontier” for scaling space operations.
The shift reflects a growing confidence in the commercial launch market. “We’re on path for mass-produced launch,” Purdy stated, noting that existing infrastructure, data centers, and even artificial intelligence applications are already geared towards high-volume launches. The focus now is on ensuring that the payloads themselves can be produced at scale and at a price point that supports frequent deployments. This strategy aligns with the Space Force’s support for smaller startups through programs like SpaceWERX.
Since 2020, SpaceWERX, the Space Force’s commercial innovation program, has awarded 23 Strategic Funding Increases (STRATFIs) to companies developing key components like sensors, software, satellite buses, and orbital transfer vehicles. Notably, only one STRATFI agreement went to a launch company – ABL Space Systems – which has since ceased operations in the launch market, as reported by Ars Technica.
SpaceWERX and the Focus on Innovation
SpaceWERX’s funding model prioritizes agility and experimentation. The program’s success in fostering innovation is underscored by Maj. Gen. Purdy’s recent engagement with the private sector; he reported meeting with 150 companies this year to stay abreast of emerging technologies, according to SpaceNews. This emphasis on collaboration with industry is seen as crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in space.
The Space Force’s approach isn’t about dismissing launch capabilities, but rather recognizing that the U.S. Has made significant strides in that area. Purdy highlighted the success of companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin in providing reliable and increasingly affordable access to orbit. The challenge now lies in developing the sophisticated payloads needed to fully leverage that access.
This prioritization extends to a preference for high-volume production over chasing the “latest technologies” for their own sake. Purdy emphasized the necessitate for practical, readily deployable solutions, contrasting them with “super exquisite” payloads that take years to develop. The goal is to rapidly field capabilities that address immediate operational needs.
The SBIR Program and Future Funding
A key component of the Space Force’s innovation strategy is the Little Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, a federal initiative that provides seed funding for commercial experimentation. However, the program’s authorization expired on September 30th, halting new solicitations and awards. Purdy has urged Congress to renew the program, emphasizing its role in building a “vibrant industry” and enabling rapid technological advancements, as reported by Breaking Defense. He expressed hope for a swift resolution, stating that space has demonstrated the program’s effectiveness.
Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, currently serving as the Military Deputy, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Space Acquisition and Integration) – a role he’s held since at least 2026, according to the U.S. Space Force website – is clearly signaling a strategic shift. The Space Force is betting that by focusing on payload innovation and leveraging the existing launch infrastructure, it can accelerate its ability to deliver critical space-based capabilities.
Looking ahead, the success of this strategy will depend on Congress’s action on the SBIR program and the continued ability of the Space Force to effectively engage with the commercial space industry. The emphasis on rapid deployment and affordability suggests a willingness to embrace risk and prioritize speed over perfection, a departure from traditional defense acquisition practices. The next few years will be critical in determining whether this new approach can deliver the desired results.
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