An operationally responsive space architecture for 2025

Abstract

The distance learning team was tasked to produce an architecture that would best support future Operationally Responsive Space requirements in the 2025 timeframe. The 'bottom line up front' to this analysis showed that the current space architecture already provides some level of responsiveness. However, ORS will demand modifications of the current space architecture vice certain 'pre-conceived' notions of quick launch or a separate ORS architecture altogether. The team developed a 'baseline' vision for deeper analysis focused on the Combatant Commander supported by analytical categories named 'Pillars as follows: Improved Organizational Relationships, Asset Loss Mitigation, Availability, Flexibility, and Streamlined Acquisition Processes. These pillars allowed the solutions, material and non-material, to be organized for further analysis, relevancy, and value to the architecture. Constraints and alternative solutions were considered. Analysis was further supported by a performance versus cost process which provided a final test of solution feasibility. Relative cost was determined by comparison of existing program or like capabilities with future inflation. Differing combinations of solutions could provide ORS value by modification of the metrics. The final analysis showed an Operationally Responsive Space architecture that meets all metrics and that could support all COCOM requirements.