U.S. Space Command Expands Intelligence-Sharing Program with Commercial Firms

The expansion of U.S. Space Command’s intelligence-sharing initiative underscores the growing collaboration between military and commercial sectors in enhancing space security

U.S. Space Command said that its Commercial Integration Cell (CIC) has grown substantially, adding five additional businesses to its intelligence-sharing program with the goal of improving responses to satellite abnormalities and space threats. Since its founding in 2015, the CIC has increased from 10 to seventeen members, including prominent businesses including BlackSky, Kratos, LeoLabs, Iceye, and Telesat. U.S. Space Forces-Space commander Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess emphasized the value of leveraging commercial technologies into military missions. Addressing new dangers in space requires members to have better situational awareness and be able to exchange technologies in real time, which this effort enables. During the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, the CIC proved its worth by responding quickly to a Russian cyberattack on Viasat that disrupted internet connections throughout Europe. The CIC seeks to improve the durability of the space environment through promoting cooperation between military and business sector organizations.

This strategic partnership not only strengthens national security but also opens the door for creative ideas in the commercial space sector as the field of space operations changes. The continued involvement of commercial companies in military plans has the potential to completely alter the way that space threats are handled internationally.