US Space Force Launches COSMIC Center to Capitalize on Growing Commercial Space Industry
Key Highlights :
The United States Space Force (USSF) is continuing its mission to maintain space superiority by opening a new office that will enable it to partner with the private sector and acquire new technologies more quickly. On Tuesday, June 6, the USSF held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially launch the Commercial Space Marketplace for Innovation and Collaboration (COSMIC) office in Chantilly, Virginia.
COSMIC is the headquarters of the USSF’s Commercial Space Office (COMSO), which was established last year to bolster relationships between the U.S. Space Force and the private sector and capitalize on emerging technologies. The office is a partnership between the USSF and Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation (VT-ARC) and is in cooperation with the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Air Force Office of Scientific Research.
The COSMIC office is 10,000 square feet and includes office and conference spaces that are geared toward commercial outreach services. This location is in the National Capital Region, which is close to several government intelligence agencies and commercial space company offices. According to USSF Col. Rich Kniseley, who serves as Senior Material Leader and runs COSMIC, the office provides "a place and means for us all to get together and best collaborate on commercial space capabilities, warfighter requirements, and how to best deliver those capabilities."
The USSF is transitioning from developing their own technologies to strengthening partnerships with private companies, and COSMIC is part of this shift in strategy. Space Force Maj. Gen. Steve Whitney said that as the service transitions from a small number of larger, more vulnerable satellites to constellations of smaller, more expendable ones, "institutions like COSMIC are more important than ever."
U.S. Air Force Col. Janelle T. H. Jackson also discussed the importance of COSMIC's initiatives, saying the U.S. faces an increasing threat of military competition and that partnering with industry and academia is one of many ways to lead the challenge.
The U.S. Space Force is taking advantage of the thriving commercial space industry by launching the COSMIC center. This new office will enable the USSF to partner with the private sector and acquire new technologies more quickly, helping them to maintain space superiority and stay ahead of their competitors.
