Is the Space Force going more commercial?

The boss of the newly created Commercial Space Office, Col. Richard Kniseley, is serious about making greater use of commercial space industry services, including those beyond communications and optical imagery. In a wide-ranging interview, Kniseley highlighted industry frustration with talk without funding. In his words, "That is definitely what I’m going to challenge my team on and that’s where I see success — contracts and funding and capability delivery. Kniseley pointed to a string of almost monthly industry days with topics including laser communications, AI/ML and commercial Position, Navigation and Timing. Commercial weather, an industry that has long struggled for government buyers, is another big area, he said. At Quilty Space, we'll be watching for continued openness to new commercial capabilities. DoD has shown increased receptivity to commercial EO, including SAR, RF mapping, and hyperspectral. Adding PNT and weather could help significantly mature these corners of the industry.

SOURCE: https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2023/05/08/commercial-space-offices-kniseley-keeps-focus-on-industry-engagement/