Synopsis
Overview
- Recent U.S. strategy documents stress close cooperation with allies, but allies perceive a “say-do gap” between U.S. rhetoric and tangible progress on space cooperation
- RAND examined how to improve U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) integration with allies in space across policy, organizations, activities, etc.
Key Findings
- Multiple DoD organizations lack a consistent vision and end state for allied space cooperation, causing incoherence
- DoD roles and responsibilities for space remain ambiguous and disputed
- DoD regulations and infrastructure pose barriers to allied integration
- Without changes, true “integration” with allies in space is unlikely in the next 2-5 years
- Inadequate communications infrastructure across classification levels inhibits cooperation
- Continued U.S. inefficiencies risk weakening the allied space coalition
Recommendations
- DoD should create a working group to develop a department-wide approach to space cooperation
- DoD should coordinate on desired models of cooperation in areas like training, exercises, IT systems, etc.
- Options to address constraints on sharing classified space information include a Space Mutual Defense Agreement and revising disclosure regulations
