The US Space Force’s budget includes $60 million for a “tactically responsive space.”

WASHINGTON — The US Space Force, in budget documents submitted to Congress last week, is asking for $60 million over the next two years for a program known as Tactically Responsive Space.

This is the first Department of Defense budget to request funding for a tactical response space. So far, the program has been funded by additions from Congress, and defense committees have been calling for the Department of Defense for years to create a dedicated budget line. Small satellite launch companies have been actively lobbying for funding for responding space, which would go to small launch providers that don’t need traditional launch facilities.

Tactical Interactive Space is an initiative to demonstrate the capabilities of commercial launch platforms to deploy small satellites on short notice. This type of service can be used during a conflict to replace a damaged satellite or augment existing towers. Military officials said that access to the interactive launch would give the United States additional flexibility in the event that adversaries try to shoot down the Department of Defense or commercial satellites that provide services to the military.

The proposed Space Force budget includes $30 million for the Tactical Response Space in fiscal year 2024 and $30 million for fiscal year 2025.