WASHINGTON, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Security Space Association (NSSA) has released its official position paper, "Double Down on the Space Force Budget," calling for Congress to double the U.S. Space Force budget to $60 billion over the FY 2026-2030 Future Years Defense Program (FYDP). This investment is critical as China and Russia continue to advance counterspace weapons, cyber warfare capabilities, and anti-satellite (ASAT) systems, directly challenging U.S. national security and global stability.
"The establishment of the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Space Command was a groundbreaking step in securing U.S. leadership in space," said Steve Jacques, Executive Director of NSSA. "We recognize the vision, innovation, and leadership demonstrated by President Trump, senior military officials, and the warfighter in building a service capable of meeting modern space challenges. However, China's rapid military-civil fusion strategy and Russia's continued investment in space-based threats are eroding U.S. dominance. We must act decisively to provide the funding, procurement agility, and operational flexibility necessary to ensure the United States of America remains the world's preeminent space power."
The NSSA paper warns that China has deployed hundreds of military satellites, developed hypersonic weapons, and expanded contested cislunar operations, while Russia has launched reconnaissance satellites targeting U.S. military assets and is reportedly developing a nuclear-armed ASAT weapon. Without urgent action, the U.S. risks falling behind in space, jeopardizing both military and commercial operations.
To counter these threats, NSSA calls for a structured, stair-stepped increase in the Space Force budget to enhance missile warning and tracking, counterspace operations, intelligence and surveillance, secure satellite communications, and rapid launch capabilities. However, funding alone is not enough—Congress must reform procurement processes to eliminate inefficiencies, streamline acquisitions, and enable rapid deployment of critical capabilities.
Additionally, NSSA recommends that Congress establish mission-focused budget line items and provide greater flexibility in the execution of appropriations to ensure resources can be quickly realigned to meet emerging threats. The Space Force must also expand partnerships with the commercial space sector to leverage innovation while ensuring that warfighter-driven requirements remain central to all investment decisions.
To sustain U.S. space superiority, NSSA urges Congress and the Executive Branch to integrate these recommendations into the FY 2026 President's Budget Request, secure bipartisan support for long-term Space Force investment, and commit to sustained growth through the FYDP planning process.
Read the Full Position Paper Here: https://nssaspace.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Accelerate-or-Lose.pdf
SOURCE National Security Space Association
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