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“National Security Space Programs”

House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces”

May 14, 2025 (recording linked here)

HEARING INFORMATION

Witnesses and Written Testimony (Linked):

• Ms. Andrea Yaffe: Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, Office of the Secretary of Defense

• Dr. Chris Scolese: Director, National Reconnaissance Office

• Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth: Director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

• Major General Stephen Purdy: Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force
  

HEARING HIGHLIGHTS

IN THEIR WORDS

SUMMARY OF OPENING STATEMENTS FROM THE COMMITTEE AND SUBCOMMITTEE

• Subcommittee Chair DesJarlais emphasized the critical importance of national security space activities. He highlighted the foundational role that space systems and personnel play in ensuring the security of the nation and the joint force. He expressed concern over the lack of programmatic details for the FY 2026 budget and stressed the need for timely and effective acquisition to counter threats like the Chinese "kill web." DesJarlais also underscored the importance of developing a highly trained acquisition workforce, praised recent innovative efforts by the witnesses' organizations, and reaffirmed the subcommittee’s bipartisan commitment to advancing space acquisition reforms.

• Subcommittee Ranking Member Moulton warned that America’s reliance on satellites makes space a prime target for adversaries, highlighting China's rapid satellite deployments and Russia’s development of a space-based nuclear weapon. Moulton criticized both current and previous administrations for underinvesting in space and expressed concern about rumored budget cuts and workforce losses, particularly among Space Force civilians. He concluded by emphasizing the strategic importance of space superiority and acquisition reform, and called for urgent action to retain talent and accelerate innovation in the face of growing threats.

SUMMARY OF WITNESS STATEMENT

• Mr. Yaffe emphasized that space remains central to the Department of Defense’s mission to deter conflict and ensure national security. He underscored the growing threats from China and Russia, who are developing counter-space capabilities aimed at undermining U.S. space systems and restricting freedom of action both in orbit and on Earth. In response, the Department prioritizes achieving and maintaining space superiority to enable deterrence, ensure the resilience of key space-enabled missions, and retain capabilities to deny adversary use of space in conflict. He highlighted that these objectives align with broader strategic priorities, such as defending the homeland and deterring China. Yaffe also stressed the importance of leveraging U.S. commercial innovation and integrating efforts with allies and partners to improve scalability, increase resilience, and share the burden of defense. He concluded by emphasizing that continued investment and consistent funding are vital to securing U.S. interests in the space domain.

• Dr. Scolese testified on the National Reconnaissance Office’s (NRO) rapid modernization and expanded operational tempo. The NRO has launched over 200 satellites in two years, establishing the largest and most advanced U.S. government satellite constellation in history. He credited this progress to the NRO’s small but highly skilled workforce, and to partnerships across government, industry, academia, and with allies. The NRO is accelerating its integration of cutting-edge technologies—including artificial intelligence, quantum sensing, advanced materials, and photonics—to improve intelligence collection, speed of delivery, and resilience. These innovations enable greater tracking fidelity and decision advantage for U.S. policymakers and warfighters. The agency is also deeply invested in commercial integration, leveraging data from private providers to complement national systems. Scolese noted the NRO’s support for current challenges, such as the war in Ukraine and counter-narcotics efforts, while preparing for emerging threats. He closed by underscoring the importance of workforce investment, interagency cooperation, and Congress’s continued support, citing the agency’s 16 consecutive clean financial audits as evidence of sound stewardship.

• Admiral Whitworth highlighted the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's (NGA) unique role in analyzing and exploiting imagery and geospatial data to inform national security operations from “seabed to space.” He emphasized that NGA’s products support warfighters, policymakers, and first responders by delivering actionable geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). The growing threat from China and Russia—particularly their deployment of increasingly capable space-based and counter-space systems—necessitates continued enhancement of NGA’s capabilities. Whitworth described recent innovations, including the launch of the Joint Mission Management Center (JMMC), a partnership with the U.S. Space Force that accelerates GEOINT tasking and delivery. He also noted the increasing volume of GEOINT data from national and commercial sources and described efforts such as Project Maven to harness that data more effectively. Additionally, NGA continues to maintain the World Geodetic System (WGS 84), the backbone of GPS and geolocation for the U.S. military and civilian agencies. Whitworth concluded by reaffirming NGA’s commitment to collaboration with the Space Force, NRO, and other partners to enhance the nation’s ability to detect and respond to threats in the space domain.

• General Purdy outlined recent achievements and ongoing reforms in space acquisition and capability delivery at the U.S. Space Force. He expressed appreciation for congressional authorities that have enabled more agile decision-making and acquisition processes. The Space Force has launched new systems and accepted key capabilities, including strategic communications payloads developed in partnership with Norway (saving $900 million), the NSSL Phase 3 mission for the NRO, and new mobile ground systems to support overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) operations. He reported significant increases in acquisition speed, with a 470% rise in Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and a 350% increase in software pathways. Through partnerships with SpaceWERX and commercial innovators, the service has executed over 1,000 contracts and leveraged nearly $1 billion in venture capital. Purdy emphasized that aligning acquisition timelines and requirements with commercial practices is key to faster delivery. Finally, he highlighted efforts to improve workforce development, especially for program managers and engineers, and praised the dedication of the acquisition and contracting communities working under high-pressure conditions to advance U.S. space capabilities.

SUMMARY OF KEY Q&A

• Chair DesJarlais asked Gen. Purdy to explain the GSAP acquisition plan and his collaboration with the requirements community. Gen. Purdy said he identified unexpected commercial efficiencies through an RFI, enabling a faster, cheaper GSAP via adjusted requirements. Chair DesJarlais then asked about the Resilient GPS program’s purpose and unique acquisition strategy. Gen. Purdy explained it addressed constellation vulnerabilities and benefited from unexpectedly capable, low-cost commercial buses.
  Chair DesJarlais asked Dr. Scolese about Guardians’ role in the NRO.
  Dr. Scolese said Guardians play a vital role in engineering and acquisition, while gaining and contributing valuable operational experience.

• Ranking Member Moulton asked how NGA helps warfighters use commercial GEOINT. Adm. Whitworth said NGA embeds teams with commands to deliver timely, flexible GEOINT, with commercial data aiding unclassified sharing. Ranking Member Moulton then asked if Congress should expand ISR authorities for faster commercial procurement. Adm. Whitworth agreed in principle but warned against duplication and highlighted tools like Slim Jims to manage visibility. Ranking Member Moulton suggested such coordination should be easy in 2025. Adm. Whitworth agreed and said Slim Jims now provide that transparency across commands.

  Ranking Member Moulton invited other comments on data coordination. Gen. Purdy said Space Force is working on MOUs with NGA to enable rapid data-sharing. Dr. Scolese added that NRO collaborates with NGA, NSA, and Space Force to ensure broad access to commercial and RF data. Ranking Member Moulton asked about risks from personnel losses. Gen. Purdy said reduced billets and hiring delays are already straining key program offices across the enterprise.

• Rep. Wilson asked about Russia and China’s intentions in developing counterspace weapons. Mr. Yaffe said both nations seek to deny U.S. access to space by fielding a broad spectrum of threats. Rep. Wilson asked about U.S. preparedness to counter such threats. Mr. Yaffe said the U.S. must be ready across all domains with kinetic and non-kinetic options to defend space assets.
  Rep. Wilson asked how NGA coordinates commercial acquisitions. Adm. Whitworth said NGA uses flexible mechanisms like bailments and IDIQs, citing the LUNO AMB contract. Rep. Wilson asked if commercial space outpaces government systems. Adm. Whitworth replied that both are essential due to the unrelenting need for global coverage.

• Rep. Whitesides raised concerns about acquisition career pipelines and asked about commercial sensing budget cuts. Dr. Scolese said commercial capabilities, including RF and emerging phenomenologies, are essential and cost-effective.
  Rep. Whitesides then asked for an SDA missile tracking update.
  Gen. Purdy said Tranche 0 testing is wrapping up, with Tranche 1 launching monthly and integrating into broader warning systems.

• Rep. Crank asked how the Space Force ensures full support infrastructure for systems like orbital warfare spacecraft. Gen. Purdy said a fully mission-capable strategy includes new test, training, and SCN upgrades like SCAR and JAM for scaling capacity. Rep. Crank asked which systems are connected to the Unified Data Library. Gen. Purdy answered that nearly all Space Force deltas and major ops centers actively use UDL for situational awareness and command.

• Rep. Bell asked about NGA West and its academic partnerships. Adm. Whitworth said NGA West is on track to open in September, with strong support from St. Louis institutions like the Taylor Geospatial Institute. Ms. Yaffe added that expanding space expertise across government and industry is critical as the sector grows. Rep. Bell asked how NGA supports homeland defense and Golden Dome.
  Adm. Whitworth said NGA contributes advanced targeting, AI-driven mission command, and Title 10/50 integration. Rep. Bell asked how NGA coordinates imagery purchases.

• Rep. Hamadeh asked what offensive capabilities the U.S. employs to deter adversaries. Ms. Yaffe said the U.S. avoids treaty-violating weapons but maintains a broad capability set to defend space access. Rep. Hamadeh asked about ally coordination and burden-sharing. Ms. Yaffe said CSpO and bilateral efforts help align strategy and expand capacity among partners. Rep. Hamadeh asked if CSpO would expand beyond ten countries. Ms. Yaffe said expansion depends on partner capabilities, not timelines.
  Rep. Hamadeh asked what one reform Gen. Purdy would prioritize. Gen. Purdy said greater funding flexibility, especially during CRs, would have the biggest impact on improving acquisitions.

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