By Col. Bill Woolf, President, Space Force Association (SFA) & Dr. Manjit Pope, SFA Chief Strategy Officer, President SFA International
In a time of intensifying strategic competition and rapid technological transformation, space has emerged as the new frontier of power, security, and economic opportunity. The Space Force Association (SFA) is at the vanguard of this revolution — not only as a thought leader in defence and technology but as a catalyst for driving economic growth, industry reform, and global alliances.
As the President of SFA and SFA’s Chief Strategy Officer respectively, we have witnessed a seismic shift: the lines between space defence, commercial innovation, and international policy are blurring. Under the leadership of the current U.S. Administration, and with the decisive implementation of recent Executive Orders, the United States is now poised to lead not only in orbit but across the global space economy.
Aligning with the USA’s Commandeering Chief’s Vision: From Strategy to Execution
The April 2025 Executive Orders issued by the White House — one targeting acquisition reform in the defence sector [1], and another designed to streamline arms exports and accelerate allied cooperation [2] — demonstrate a clear commitment to modernising America’s defence-industrial base. These orders are not just procedural; they are transformative. SFA is proud to be among the first organisations aligning with and actively implementing these directives.
At SFA International, we are reengineering how defence and space stakeholders work together. By integrating commercial innovation into military space operations, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and eliminating barriers to procurement and international engagement, we are turning policy into progress.
“This is not just reform — it’s a renaissance,” says Dr. Manjit Pope, “and SFA is working directly with governments, academia, and industry to accelerate the U.S. advantage in the space domain.”
The Rising Geopolitical Stakes in Space
China’s acceleration of military-civil fusion in space, Russia’s pursuit of anti-satellite weapons, and Iran and North Korea’s persistent ambitions in ballistic and satellite technology make one thing clear: the strategic high ground is no longer terrestrial.
The Belt and Road Initiative, combined with space station partnerships and lunar ambitions, marks China’s effort to reshape space governance in its image. In response, the U.S. Space Force — supported by SFA’s advocacy and global partnerships — is modernising intelligence capabilities, expanding public-private satellite constellations, and accelerating R&D in defensive platforms.
SFA’s comparative analysis of international space programs reveals key strategic differentials. While adversaries pursue space dominance through state-centric, opaque programs, the U.S. model — empowered by the Space Force and SFA’s network — harnesses open-source intelligence (OSINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), and all-source intelligence (ASINT) through interoperable platforms and allied innovation.
Commercial Strength for National Power
The fusion of defence strategy and commercial enterprise is essential to achieving U.S. space superiority. SFA is leading this paradigm shift by bridging the once-separate worlds of innovation and warfighting. Start-ups and space entrepreneurs, once peripheral to national security, are now critical contributors to resilient, responsive, and diversified defence capabilities.
We support the development of dual-use technologies — such as AI-enhanced small satellites, quantum-based encryption, and even benign platforms with potential kinetic capabilities — not to weaponize them prematurely, but to prepare the United States for all eventualities.
“The question is not if adversaries will weaponize innovation,” says Col. Bill Woolf, “but whether we will be ready when they do. Through SFA, we ensure America is not only ready but leading.”
Shaping the Rules of the Future
SFA International doesn’t merely respond to global trends; we shape them. From international forums to bilateral partnerships, we are driving the adoption of inclusive, democratic space governance frameworks. Our work spans supporting NATO resilience, advising emerging space nations, and mentoring women in space leadership — because diversity is not a luxury; it is a strategic advantage.
SFA’s presence at global policy summits, such as the DAVOS, and SFA’s leadership at Space Power Conference and our collaboration with supply chain reform bodies ensures that America’s economic and ethical leadership in space becomes a model for others.
Advancing the U.S. Economy through Space Innovation
Beyond military might, space is an economic multiplier. The U.S. space economy is projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2040, and SFA is ensuring this growth is inclusive, secure, and globally integrated. By reducing bureaucratic drag, encouraging agile procurement, and supporting export reform — all priorities in the President’s executive vision — we are helping catalyse U.S. innovation and secure global markets.
Our initiatives empower start-ups, secure critical supply chains, and open new frontiers of investment. With satellites enabling precision agriculture, disaster response, autonomous logistics, and next-gen communications, the space economy is becoming the beating heart of U.S. prosperity.
Final Word: Strategy, Security, and Stewardship
SFA believes the future belongs to those who act — not react. We commend the U.S. Administration for its visionary executive orders and look forward to continuing our mission to champion American leadership in space.
Together, through strategic clarity, commercial integration, and international cooperation, we are building a new global order — one where freedom thrives not only on Earth but across the stars.
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Col. Bill Woolf
President, Space Force Association (SFA)
Former Commander, Combined Force Space Component
Dr. Manjit Pope
SFA Chief Strategy Officer & President SFA International
Global Business Strategist | Space Policy Advocate | WTO Tech Council Member
