Space Systems Command

Announced as part of the U.S. Space Force's structure on 30 June 2020, Space Systems Command is intended to centralize military space research, development, acquisitions, and launch activities in a single command. The SSC intendeds to bring Army and Navy space acquisition activities under it as well.[2]

The concept has been widely praised by retired military space officers, as well as members of the space industry.[2]

Space Systems Command will be run by a lieutenant general. "Lt. Gen. John “JT” Thompson, the commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center, told SpaceNews that his organization will become the initial foundation of Space Systems Command. “This is truly a work in progress..”[2]

Space Systems Command is intended to unify all elements of space research, development, and acquisition, with the Space and Missile Systems Center as the core. Organizations intended to be unified under SSC are:[2]

• Space and Missile Systems Center
• Commercial Satellite Communications Office, Washington, D.C.
• Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicle Directorate
• Space Development Agency - may be assigned, discussions under way
• Space Rapid Capabilities Office - may be assigned, discussions under way
• 30th Space Wing
• 45th Space Wing

Discussions are underway on transferring Army and Navy space acquisition elements, including the space acquisition elements of Army Space and Missile Defense Command and the Navy's satellite communications office to SSC. However, "[t]his remains a long shot, however, as neither service has signaled it is prepared to turn over any assets."[2]

• Air Force Systems Command
• Air Force Materiel Command
• Marine Corps Systems Command
• Naval Information Warfare Systems Command
• United States Army Materiel Command