Operationally Responsive Space on Air Force FY2010 Unfunded Priorities List

Thanks to Aviation Week’s Amy Butler for posting the Air Force’s unfunded requirements list for FY2010 on her blog so that is available on the Web. Third on the list of 20 items is $103 million for the Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) program. Of the 18 unclassified programs on the list, it is the only space program.

Air Force officials explained at two congressional hearings this week (view SASC webcast, HASC webcast yet to be posted), the Air Force is currently building the first operational satellite in this series, ORS Sat-1, in response to an urgent requirement from U.S. Central Command. It is a milestone driven program, and if it passes its next milestone this summer, funds will be needed for it to meet a 2010 delivery date. A second satellite is needed to meet operational requirements for which funding also is required. The funding is not included in the current FY2010 budget request. Gary Payton, Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force for Space Programs, explained at the Senate hearing that if ORS Sat-1 does not meet the summer milestone, the program will continue, but at a slower pace.