Space Force Gains $40M for Commercial Ventures; NASA Cuts $420M in Contracts Amidst Efficiency Drive

Congress has allocated $40 million to the Space Force for commercial surveillance, reconnaissance, and tracking services in the fiscal year 2025 continuing resolution. Col. Richard Kniseley, director of the Space Force's Commercial Space Office (COMSO), views this as a strong endorsement of their strategy to integrate commercial space capabilities. COMSO, established under Space Systems Command, serves as a conduit between commercial space technologies and national security needs. It evaluates companies and connects them with funding sources. The approved funding also includes $134 million for integrating commercial satellite communications into hybrid architectures. NASA, on the other hand, is terminating $420 million in contracts deemed redundant or misaligned with core priorities. NASA press secretary Bethany Stevens stated this move aims to optimize resources and align with the Department of Government Efficiency's initiatives. Terminations include contracts with consulting firms like Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte, though none had been funded at the time of termination. Concerns arise within the scientific community regarding potential grant terminations and significant reductions in NASA science programs.