SpaceNews with Derek Tournear
Below are notes from the recent exclusive interview between SpaceNews and Derek Tournear, Director of the Space Development Agency (SDA), conducted by Sandra Erwin.
Key Takeaways:
- Accelerated Satellite Deployment: The SDA is making significant strides in hastening the process of satellite acquisition and deployment, leveraging commercial partnerships to bypass the delays commonly associated with traditional methods.
- Strategic Partnerships for Enhanced Capabilities: There’s a strong focus on building collaborations between the defense sector, commercial entities, and key industry players like Harris Corporation, aimed at bolstering capabilities and addressing sophisticated missile threats more effectively.
- Adapting to Technological and Operational Changes: The SDA is committed to adapting its strategies and operations in response to evolving technological landscapes and operational requirements, ensuring the delivery of critical capabilities on time and within budget.
SpaceNews 1-on-1 with SDA Director Derek Tournear
6 March 2024
On Acquisition and Innovation in Satellite Technology:
Focus: The SDA’s method for procuring satellites and space technologies through commercial partnerships, which aims to be faster than traditional acquisition processes.
Quote from Dr. Tournear: “In recent years, the SDA has expedited the procurement and deployment of satellites by engaging with commercial partners.”
On Partnerships in Commercial and Defense Sectors:
Focus: The importance of collaboration between the commercial and defense sectors to improve capabilities and achieve common objectives.
Quote from Dr. Tournear: “The Missile Defense Agency, Space Development Agency, and Harris Corporation have collaborated on a shared mission to address advanced missile threats.”
On Adaptability and Progress:
Focus: The ability of the SDA to adapt to changes and progress towards set objectives.
Quote from Dr. Tournear: “We started with a vision and set ambitious goals, which, supported by the department, led to successful outcomes beyond our initial expectations.”
On Leadership and Direction:
Focus: Dr. Tournear’s leadership in guiding the agency towards its goals, despite facing uncertainties and ambitious objectives.
Quote from Dr. Tournear: “The SDA’s success, which exceeded my expectations, is attributed to a motivated team committed to the mission of delivering capabilities.”
On Technological Developments:
Focus: The agency’s efforts in advancing technology, such as optical laser links and developing a space mesh network, to enhance communication capabilities.
Quote from Dr. Tournear: “Our satellites have successfully demonstrated capabilities in data acquisition, pointing, and initial data transfer.”
On Operational Excellence and Efficiency:
Focus: The commitment of the SDA to deliver its missions effectively, within budget constraints, and on schedule.
Quote from Dr. Tournear: “Our ability to deliver on time and within budget contributes to our rapid progress.”
On the Challenges with Supply Chain and Vendor Management:
Focus: The challenges faced in managing a wide network of suppliers and vendors to ensure timely production and delivery of satellites.
Quotes from Dr. Tournear: “We conduct daily checks with our vendors to address critical path items. Speed is recognized as crucial by most of our vendors.”
On Adapting to Changes:
Focus: The need for the SDA and its partners to adjust to changing circumstances, including delays caused by external factors.
Quotes from Dr. Tournear: “We focus on the delivery of capabilities rather than excuses.”
On Innovations in Contracting and Risk Management:
Focus: The shift towards fixed-price contracts from traditional cost-plus models to better manage risk and encourage efficiency.
Quotes from Dr. Tournear: “Our contracts aim for a delivery timeline of 30 months from order to orbit, highlighting the importance of efficiency.”
On Market Dynamics:
Focus: Observations on the defense space industry’s response to the SDA’s business model and participation in contracts.
Quotes from Dr. Tournear: “The increase in industry engagement indicates a healthy and responsive market.”
On Navigating Bureaucracy:
Focus: The challenge of navigating the Department of Defense’s procurement processes and ensuring the integration of new systems into military operations.
Quotes from Dr. Tournear: “Innovation often requires an external catalyst to overcome established processes.”
On the Warfighter Focus:
Focus: Ensuring that advancements in space capabilities are integrated seamlessly into military operations, emphasizing user-centric design.
Quotes from Dr. Tournear: “Our goal is for the integration of satellite capabilities to be seamless, regardless of orbit.”
On Orbital Debris Mitigation:
Focus: Strategies for addressing orbital debris and the potential role of orbital servicing companies.
Quote from Dr. Tournear: “Dealing with orbital debris is a priority, necessitating deorbit capabilities for our satellites.”
On Optical Communication Developments:
Focus: The advancement and testing of optical communication systems for use in space and on the ground.
Quote from Dr. Tournear: “Our testing has shown promising results in optical acquisition and tracking.”
On Economic and Supplier Considerations:
Focus: Managing the economic aspects of vendor relations to ensure cost-effective and timely satellite production.
Quote from Dr. Tournear: “Vendors are profitable, and they are aware of the need for efficiency in their manufacturing processes.”
On Exploring New Technologies:
Focus: The potential inclusion of new technologies, such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging and RF sensing, in the SDA’s architecture.
Quote from Dr. Tournear: “The Space Force is embracing the proliferated LEO concept, which will likely incorporate these new capabilities.”
On Engagement with Innovative Vendors:
Focus: Strategies to incorporate cutting-edge technologies from innovative vendors into the SDA’s mission framework.
Quotes from Dr. Tournear: “We encourage partnerships and industry collaboration to introduce new space capabilities.”
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