Space Force Expands Dual-Use Logistics Demonstrations with Commercial Partners A Space Systems Command program office is advancing two demonstrations designed to test dual-use refueling and augmented maneuver capabilities through partnerships with commercial industry. The initiatives, which are fully funded and currently under contract, are set to launch in early 2027. Col. Scott Carstetter, director of the servicing, mobility, and logistics office in Space Systems Command’s Space Access Portfolio Acquisition Executive, highlighted that the projects represent a strategic effort to integrate commercial technologies with military operations. The decision to prioritize refueling and augmented maneuver capabilities stems from their existing technological maturity and immediate relevance to military operations. Carstetter emphasized that the Space Command has a pressing need for maneuver warfare in orbit, which requires refueling capabilities. He noted that leveraging commercial assets, particularly those with orbital mobility, is critical for conducting operations when needed. The refueling demonstration is being conducted through a contract with Astroscale U.S., while the augmented maneuver project involves Starfish Space’s Otter space vehicle. Both companies will own and operate the systems used in the tests, a model Carstetter’s office is evaluating to assess how commercial providers can be integrated with government assets. While technical challenges are deemed unlikely due to the reliability of the systems, Carstetter acknowledged potential difficulties in coordinating commercial and government entities. Starfish Space’s project involves mating a commercial service satellite with a government-owned asset, managing attitude control, and executing movement and maneuvering of space vehicles.#space_force #northrop_grumman #astroscale_us #starfish_space #col_scott_carstetter
