COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.— A groundbreaking initiative led by the U.S. Space Force, known as the Tactical Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Tracking program (TacSRT), is gaining traction and proving its worth across various combatant commands. Launched as a pilot in 2023, TacSRT’s primary objective is to streamline access to commercial satellite imagery and analytics, creating a competitive marketplace where military entities can pose intelligence questions and receive timely, actionable insights from private industry.
The Functionality of TacSRT
At the heart of TacSRT lies a user-friendly marketplace designed for military customers who require quick and effective intelligence solutions. The program enables users to submit specific intelligence queries, prompting commercial vendors to compete for the opportunity to deliver the most relevant and precise information. The adaptability and rapid response of this system is crucial for missions that demand real-time intelligence.
TacSRT has already demonstrated its versatility through a diverse range of missions. Its applications include tracking illegal fishing activities, facilitating humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and supporting significant logistics initiatives, such as the construction of the Joint-Logistics-Over-the-Shore pier in Gaza and the strategic withdrawal of U.S. forces from air bases in Niger.
Impact and Success Stories
Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman has praised the outcomes achieved under TacSRT, noting the program’s role in supporting critical operations within U.S. Southern Command. In collaboration with partner nations, TacSRT has effectively detected and tracked narcotic operations, coordinated humanitarian assistance efforts, and countered malign influence in regions such as Peru, where it assisted in mitigating unauthorized interference with satellite signals.
The success of TacSRT has not gone unnoticed by Congress. Last month, legislators granted the Space Force an additional $40 million in funding as part of a continuing resolution deal. This move not only underscores congressional confidence in the Space Force’s initiatives but also empowers the service to broaden its acquisition of TacSRT capabilities and services.
The Tap Lab: Innovating for Future Demands
To keep pace with the growing demand for satellite reconnaissance and analytics, the Space Force is developing the “Tap Lab”—a dedicated facility focused on creating new tools and methodologies for TacSRT operations. Col. Rob Davis, the program executive officer of space sensing, elaborated on the lab’s role in fostering innovation, indicating that it will serve as a hub for experimental support and development.
The Tap Lab allows combatant commands to customize their requests based on specific needs such as border monitoring or assessing human activity in targeted areas. This ability to adapt and provide tailored intelligence ensures that military operations can effectively utilize the information gathered.
Navigating Jurisdictional Challenges
Despite the enthusiastic push towards enhancing TacSRT capabilities, the Space Force faces significant challenges in navigating jurisdictional hurdles related to the acquisition of commercial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) imagery. Currently, the National Reconnaissance Office oversees the purchase of ISR imagery, while the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency is responsible for acquiring analytical products.
To mitigate overlaps and streamline purchasing processes, Col. Davis stated that the Space Force has been striving to establish clear communication and cooperation with both the NGA and NRO since the program’s inception. As TacSRT develops and refines its processes, ongoing discussions seek to eliminate redundancy and optimize resource allocation.
The Future of TacSRT and the Commercial Sector
Commercial vendors are keenly awaiting final agreements between the Space Force and the intelligence community regarding procurement authority for satellite imagery and analytics. Reports reveal that these discussions are nearing completion, paving the way for a more cohesive strategy in leveraging commercial capabilities.
The evolving landscape of commercial satellite technology presents a unique opportunity for the Space Force to enhance its operational reach and effectiveness. By fostering strong partnerships with commercial providers, TacSRT stands to gain unprecedented access to cutting-edge data that can transform military operations and decision-making.
In essence, TacSRT is not merely a program; it is a vital component of the future of military intelligence that embraces the capabilities of the private sector while addressing the demands of modern combat scenarios. Through relentless innovation and collaboration, the U.S. Space Force is positioning itself as a leader in the utilization of commercial satellite technology for military application.
