Report
Commercial Space Capabilities and Market Overview: The Relationship Between Commercial Space Developments and the U.S. Department of Defense
In this broad review of commercial space capabilities that could support the U.S. Space Force's future space architecture and innovation ecosystem, the authors characterize capabilities and trends through mid-2020 in seven commercial space sectors.
Apr 14, 2022
Report
A Clean Sheet Approach to Space Acquisition in Light of the New Space Force
The authors describe an unconstrained "clean sheet" approach to space acquisition for the U.S. Space Force designed around the unique mission and calling of the new service.
Aug 25, 2021
Report
RAND Space Launch Virtual Panel
A virtual panel discussion hosted by the RAND Space Enterprise Initiative tackles issues related to the global space launch enterprise.
Dec 8, 2020
Report
Improving Acquisition to Support the Space Enterprise Vision
A new RAND report examines potential acquisition approaches to support the Space Enterprise Vision and identifies several promising ones that merit in-depth examination: modular open system architectures, agile acquisition, rapid prototyping.
Jul 15, 2020
Report
Enhancing Assessments of Space Mission Assurance
The authors describe decisionmaker needs for assessments of space mission assurance (SMA), challenges for conducting SMA assessments, the shortfalls that may result from the challenges, and options for addressing the shortfalls.
May 20, 2020
Research Brief
Creating a Separate Space Force: Challenges and Opportunities for an Effective, Efficient, Independent Space Service
Taking into account the goals of effectiveness, efficiency, independence, and identity, the RAND Corporation proposed the activities that should transfer to the new Space Force and analyzed how best to sustain career fields in the small service.
Mar 13, 2020
Report
A Separate Space: Creating a Military Service for Space
As the United States creates the Space Force as a service within the Department of the Air Force, RAND assessed which units to bring into the Space Force, analyzed career field sustainability and drew lessons from other defense organizations.
Mar 13, 2020
Report
Acquisition of Space Systems, Volume 7: Past Problems and Future Challenges
As Department of Defense plans for the next-generation space systems in an increasingly challenging fiscal and security environment, it is important to apply lessons learned from past space acquisition, which had experienced many difficulties.
Mar 30, 2015
Testimony
Risks and Mitigation Options Regarding Use of Foreign Components in U.S. Launch Vehicles
Testimony presented before a joint hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on July 16, 2014.
Jul 16, 2014
Report
Intratheater Airlift Functional Solution Analysis (FSA)
This functional solution analysis assesses changes to current U.S. Air Force operations to determine whether a nonmateriel solution could close the capability gap identified in the functional needs analysis.
Feb 24, 2011
Report
Improving the Cost Estimation of Space Systems: Past Lessons and Future Recommendations
Analyzes the reason for the comparatively high growth in the cost of space systems by means of an in-depth study of two systems: SBIRS-High and GPS.
Jul 25, 2008
Research Brief
The U.S. Air Force's Aging Fleets Require an Improved Structural Integrity Program
This research brief recommends ways the Air Force can strengthen and improve its Aircraft Structural Integrity Program.
May 9, 2006
Report
A Survey of Aircraft Structural-Life Management Programs in the U.S. Navy, the Canadian Forces, and the U.S. Air Force
The aircraft in the U.S. Air Force are aging, and keeping them healthy and safe is likely to require attention to clear policies and regulations on sustaining the aircraft.
May 1, 2006
Research Brief
Analysis of Alternatives for Recapitalizing the Air Force's KC-135 Aerial Refueling Tanker
This research brief describes an analysis that assessed alternatives for recapitalization of the ageing KC-135 air tanker fleet.
Mar 9, 2006
Report
Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) for KC-135 Recapitalization: Executive Summary
Aerial refueling is critical to U.S. military and national security strategy; this analysis assessed alternatives for recapitalization of the ageing KC-135 fleet.
Mar 6, 2006
