The purpose of the DoD Space Architect organization is to consolidate the responsibilities for DoD space missions and system architecture development into a single organization that shall integrate space architectures and systems, eliminate unnecessary vertical stovepiping of programs, achieve efficiencies in acquisition and future operations through program integration, and thereby improve space support to military operations. Furthermore, with the purpose of developing fully integrated space architectures for supporting national security requirements, the Architect shall propose space architectures and capabilities with the Intelligence Community through the Joint Space Management Board (JSMB).
The DoD Space Architect will report through the Air Force Acquisition Executive to the Defense Acquisition Executive (DAE). The DUSD(Space), on behalf of the DAE, will provide OSD policy guidance and oversight tot he Architect for the development of integrated space architectures consistent with the National Security Strategy, the National Military Strategy, National and DoD policies, Defense Planning Guidance, and fiscal guidance. The DoD Space Architect will submit proposed architectures through DUSD(Space) to the DAE or the JSMB, as appropriate.
The Architect is responsible for developing space architectures across the range of DoD space mission areas to include space support, force enhancement, space control, and force application. In particular, this responsibility will include launch and satellite control and the space-related areas of tactical intelligence; targeting; surveillance and warning (e.g., ballistic missile warning); command, control and communications; navigation; environmental monitoring; and space control. The Architect is further responsible for integrating validated requirements into existing and planned space system architectures - to include the space, ground, and communication link segments, as well as user interfaces - within overarching architectures responsive to the needs of the users.
The DoD Space Architect will assist DUSD(Space) in the development and maintenance of an overall DoD space systems master plan which depicts how assured mission support is provided by space systems to the National Command Authority, Combatant Commanders, and operational forces. Specifically, the master plan will depict how current space system architectures evolve to provide required capabilities. At a minimum, the plan will include a description of existing space systems and architectures, planned/proposed space architectures, modifications to existing space systems, transitions from existing to planned architectures, space-related technology programs, technology infusion opportunities, and interoperability with U.S. Allies for coalition operations. This plan will be a living document with the purpose of defining a clear path to obtaining capabilities derived from space systems to satisfy validated requirements.
The DoD Space Architect will support the ASD(C3I) and other organizations to include the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, Defense Information Systems Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency, Defense Mapping Agency, National Imagery Agency, and National Security Agency, in the development of architectures and master plans for which space systems will comprise a critical component. Space control architecture issues will be coordinated with the Director, Information Warfare, OASD(C3I). With respect to requirements, the Architect shall coordinate with the Agencies, the Joint Staff, and the Service Staffs responsible for developing requirements for the purpose of understanding fully each requirement's basis; all CINCs' requirements will be coordinated through the Joint Staff. In addition, the Architect shall coordinate with Agencies and Services responsible for planning, acquiring, and/or operating space systems, to include the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Space Administration, and the U.S. Space Command.
The DoD Space Architect derives his authority from the DAE. As a planner, the Architect will have significant influence over acquisition decisions, but will have no direct acquisition authority per se. With respect to the acquisition process, all proposals which may involve a space-related solution will be referred to the Architect for evaluation and integration into existing or planned space architectures. The Architect will provide this information in support of DAB and/or JSMB milestone reviews or other applicable reviews for non-ACAT 1D programs. Additionally, the Architect will be key member of integrated product teams in the acquisition review process for space and related C4I systems. To objectively perform his/her duties, the Architect must be able to conduct independent analyses of proposed space architectures. Modeling and simulation used to support such analyses must evaluate the ability of proposed space architectures to satisfy requirements under operational conditions in peacetime, crisis, or war. In conducting these analyses, the Architect will require some support from DoD component's developmental and acquisition centers and their analytical capability. To that end, the DoD Space Architect will have the authority to task these organizations for required support through the respective Service or Agency. For day-to-day activity, the Architect will coordinate directly with the performing organization.
The DoD Space Architect organization will be a non-headquarters, jointly-manned activity. The Architect will be a military officer in the grade of 0-8 or civilian equivalent whom the DAE will select on a best qualified basis. Nominees will be solicited and compiled by the Joint Staff and reviewed by the Air Force Acquisition Executive who will make a recommendation for approval by the DAE. The Architect will serve a minimum two-year tour and shall not be assigned other authorized General Officer or civilian equivalent billet duties; i.e., shall not be dual-hatted during his/her tenure. Each Service will assign an adequate number of personnel to the organization in order to maintain a requisite high degree of joint Service representation. Each Service shall review their individual organizations for functions which replicate those of the DoD Space Architect and may use billets from these functions to fill personnel requirements. In addition, the Air Force, as the lead Service, will assign additional support and administrative personnel to the organization, and program and budget for the operation of the office.
Two areas require the immediate attention of the DoD Space Architect. A top priority is to further develop a future Military Satellite Communications architecture which encompasses core DoD capabilities; allied, civil, and commercial augmentation; and global broadcast capability. The status of this architectural development, conducted in coordination with the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Space) and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (C3I Acquisition), shall be briefed to the Under Secretary of Defense(A&T) in October 1995. A second critical near-term project is to prepare for the integration of DoD and intelligence system architecture planning. In this regard, the Architect shall begin coordination with the NRO to develop an integration plan and develop a proposed implementation schedule for presentation to the JSMB.
With centralized space architecture planning, the Department should realize economies from improved coordination and integration. The consolidation of existing planning processes should result in a more streamlined and efficient organization and management, and facilitate integration. The DoD Space Architect and the Services will assist the DUSD(Space) in investigation and identifying potential opportunities for savings in areas which can be achieved by the establishment of the DoD Space Architect. The DUSD(Space) will brief the USD(A&T) on his initial findings within 120 days.