CSIS Warns Pentagon on Space Data Network Procurement, Citing Past Mistakes
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has issued a warning to the Pentagon regarding its procurement strategy for the Space Data Network (SDN). Matt Pearl, director of the Strategic Technologies Program at CSIS, highlighted concerns that the current approach, which includes a $2.29 billion award to a single provider for an SDN prototype by late 2027, risks repeating past mistakes made in the commercial launch services market. In 2006, the Pentagon supported the merger of two major launch providers, Boeing’s Delta and Lockheed Martin’s Atlas, to ensure reliable access to space. However, this decision led to a lack of competition and reduced acquisition leverage, resulting in higher prices and stifled innovation by 2013. CSIS emphasizes that while speed is a valid concern for the Space Force in fielding an integrated capability, awarding a contract to a single entity could create long-term strategic dependency if the architectural design makes it difficult for other qualified providers to...
