To enable more commercial space capabilities, the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command’s (SSC’s) Commercial Satellite Communications Office has joined the U.S. Air Force working capital fund (WCF). through the activation of a new Enterprise Space Activity Group (ESAG) to better support the organization’s commercial space strategy.
The working capital fund was established through the ESAG charter to provide a new financial platform that can synchronize the Pentagon’s space efforts to support future commercial service demands. Instead of depending on annual appropriations, SSC collects money from customers through the WCF and the profits can lead to lower rates for customers—however, losses could cause the rates to move higher.
To activate the WCF, a $120 million deposit was required and the WCF is estimated to be valued more than $1.2 billion annually, according to an organization press release. SSC’s Commercial Satellite Communications Office is the only program that is allowed to manage the WCF.
Also, SSC has awarded the second National Security Space Launch Space Vehicle Processing Commercial Solutions Opening contract to Blue Origin for $78.25 million. With this contract, SSC will expand its space vehicle processing capacity at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, by 2028.
