By Richard G. Saxon, Director of International Affairs,
No matter the field you operate in, being tasked to do more with less is a reality most will face at some point. Some might view this as a burden to shoulder, but those who are up for the challenge know that necessity is the mother of invention, or, in the case of the U.S. Space Force, innovation. In today’s complex space domain, that means not just technological innovation, but acquisition innovation too. The USSF’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System Hosted Payload (QZSS-HP) project with Japan isn’t just about launching sensors; it’s about launching a new model for international cooperation, built on strategic acquisition strategies.
Here’s how this partnership was forged and sets a blueprint for future success:
Leveraging Existing Infrastructure for Speed and Efficiency
Traditionally, deploying space-based Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities requires building and launching entire satellite systems – a process that can take years and cost billions. QZSS-HP took a different approach. By hosting U.S. SDA payloads on Japan’s existing QZSS satellites, we bypassed the need for a dedicated launch vehicle and infrastructure development. This is akin to taking a high-speed train instead of building your own railway. This simple step slashed years off the deployment timeline.
Streamlined International Agreements
Navigating international agreements can be a bureaucratic maze. The QZSS-HP team streamlined the process by focusing on clear objectives and leveraging existing frameworks. By establishing a strong foundation of trust and open communication with Japan’s National Space Policy Secretariat (NSPS) early on, we were able to quickly develop and implement the necessary agreements. We have created a model for future space-based acquisitions with allied nations.
Benefit Sharing and Cost Optimization
International partnerships aren’t just about shared goals; they’re about shared benefits. QZSS-HP exemplifies this approach. By leveraging Japan’s QZSS system, we gained access to valuable data and enhanced SDA capabilities without bearing the full cost of development and operation. In turn, our partnership helped augment Japan’s QZSS mission and fostered closer ties between our two nations. It is imperative that all space acquisitions utilize this formula to cut costs and ensure mission readiness.
Looking ahead, QZSS-HP provides a crucial lesson: strategic international partnerships, combined with innovative acquisition approaches, are essential for ensuring a resilient and effective U.S. Space Force. This is the future of space security: not going it alone, but forging strong alliances and leveraging the strengths of our partners. The success of QZSS-HP demonstrates that by embracing collaboration and innovation, we can accelerate capability delivery, optimize resources, and ensure our dominance in the space domain. We believe that it will be the cornerstone of future space-based acquisitions for years to come.
Read more about QZSS-HP here.
