Proposal would allow DOD to work with other countries on space domain awareness

The Pentagon is requesting congressional approval to work more closely with allied and partner countries on space domain awareness and other space operations, according to a legislative proposal posted Friday.

The proposal would add “space domain awareness and space operations” to the list of mission areas under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, Section 333. Foreign security forces: authority to build capacity.

The Pentagon requested about $1.2 billion in funding in fiscal year 2026 that would be affected by such a change, according to the proposal, with $20 million to $30 million additions over the next four years.

“Leveraging the contributions of our allies and partners requires us first to help them strengthen their ability to operate in today’s contested space environment, either alone or in concert with us,” the proposal states. “Space-related [building partner capacity] is a high priority for the Department; however, current efforts are hindered by a lack of clearly applicable authority.”

Some capabilities -- including global positioning, satellite communications and geospatial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance – are more clearly covered under the current law, the proposal notes, because they are related to already-approved mission areas.