The Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO) is a direct reporting unit of the U.S. Space Force that specializes in the rapid development, production, and deployment of space capabilities to meet critical, short-term needs. It serves as one of the Space Force's acquisition organizations, delivering first-of-their-kind operational space capabilities to protect space assets and defend against space-enabled attacks. Space RCO works closely with U.S. Space Command and other Space Force field commands to expedite the fielding of space capabilities, often leveraging cutting-edge commercial technology. Key activities include command and control software development, satellite operations, and electronic warfare systems, partnering with organizations like Space Systems Command and small businesses to achieve its mission.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
The Space Rapid Capabilities Office is now part of the U.S. Space Force and was created to develop technologies on accelerated schedules.
The planned Space Force acquisitions command is expected to serve as an umbrella organization for the Space and Missile Systems Center, the Space Rapid Capabilities Office, and the Space Development Agency.
When the U.S. Space Force was established in December 2019, the Space Rapid Capabilities Office at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico was realigned under the Space Force.
The space acquisition executive will oversee and direct the Space and Missile Systems Center, the Space Rapid Capabilities Office, and the Space Development Agency.
JPL delivered COWVR to the Air Force Space Rapid Capabilities Office prior to cancellation of ORS-6 launch plans due to problems with the satellite bus.
The Air Force recommended in a September memo that the next director of the National Reconnaissance Office also serve as the director of the Air Force Space Rapid Capabilities Office to establish unity of command and reduce duplication in space programs.
The U.S. Air Force established the Space Rapid Capabilities Office at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico to take the lead in mostly classified critical space programs.
Congress allocated $371,000,000 in 2019 for the Space Rapid Capabilities Office.
The Space Rapid Capabilities Office’s projects include small satellites and collaboration with DARPA’s Blackjack program to deploy a proliferated constellation in low Earth orbit and demonstrate a mesh network.
In September, the Space Rapid Capabilities Office, working with NASA Ames Research Center’s small spacecraft prototyping office, awarded Sierra Nevada Corporation a $119,000,000 contract to develop a satellite to gather cloud and theater imagery until the service finds a long-term solution.
Congress directed the Space RCO to collaborate with DARPA on the Blackjack effort.
Congress appropriated $371,100,000 for the Space RCO in fiscal year 2019.
The fiscal year 2019 funds for the Space RCO are designated for ORS-8, a solar power project to develop a capability to collect solar energy for deployed forces, and the Blackjack program.
For the ORS-8 weather satellite, the Space RCO worked with NASA Ames Research Center’s small spacecraft prototyping office.
The Space Rapid Capabilities Office awarded Sierra Nevada Corporation a $119,000,000 contract on 2018-09-18 to develop a weather satellite for the ORS-8 program.
The Small Spacecraft Prototyping Engineering Development and Integration – Space Solutions IDIQ contract will support the Department of Defense’s Space Rapid Capabilities Office to expedite procurement of commercially developed small to medium spacecraft.
The Falcon 9 launch carrying SeeMe will also include two other Raytheon-built small satellites made for the Air Force’s Operationally Responsive Space office, now renamed the Space Rapid Capabilities Office.
Congress created the Space Rapid Capabilities Office with a $316,000,000 budget and a headquarters at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.