SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 – Acquisitions and sustainment are not just support functions; they are a warfighting imperative, said Space Force Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations, who provided the keynote address on the state of the Space Force today at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference held at National Harbor, Maryland.
“Developing and delivering space warfighting capability is a vital part of our DNA as a service,” Saltzman said. “The time has come for us to focus on enhancing the speed and effectiveness of our deliveries, because if we fall behind, the joint force and the nation will feel the consequences.”
Today, leaders across the federal government are demanding change with unprecedented unity and urgency, the general added.
But the Space Force can’t do it alone, Saltzman said. “We’re reimagining how we interact with industry partners, moving from a transactional relationship to a more collaborative one.”
For instance, the service is bringing industry leaders into the early stages of system planning and development and inviting them to partner in war games to evaluate cutting-edge technologies, the general said.
The service launched a website, U.S. Space Force Front Door, which invites companies to share emerging technologies and innovative ideas to advance space-based capabilities, he said.
“If it’s a good match, we’ll connect you with the right office to see where your great ideas might enable our missions,” Saltzman said. “Every bit of new technology that gives us an advantage is a win for the Space Force and our nation.”
“Be honest with us. Don’t hide bad news,” he continued. “Challenge our assumptions. Question requirements. Offer recommendations. Point out our blind spots. Tell us what we’re not thinking about and provide clarity on how we can best leverage your unique strengths. We need industry to succeed just as you need us to succeed.”
Saltzman then turned to the guardians.
“Our military and civilian acquisition professionals are the center of gravity for delivering combat space capability,” he said.
Space acquisitions can take years to master, he added.
“For the first time ever, we’re providing 100% of our officers with initial training in space operations, cyberoperations, intelligence and acquisition fundamentals before their first assignment,” Saltzman said.
The service is redesigning career paths for its military and civilian workforce, the general said. “This provides them with the clarity on what we expect as they move up through the ranks. It also ensures we develop them to fill key positions that require both breadth and depth to be effective.”
The goal is to provide a variety of experiences to guardians early on, allowing them to discover their strengths and understand where their passions lie, he said.
“Then we can match the skills, strengths and desires of each guardian to the training and experiences they need to thrive across the wide range of Space Force missions,” Saltzman said.
He pointed out that guardians are the heart and soul of the Space Force mission.
“You fuel the fight to win. Your nation needs you on the invisible frontline every day,” Saltzman continued. “Whether you’re operating, sustaining, developing or enabling those who do, you need to meet every day with a sense of urgency of a service preparing to fight and win tonight.”
By David Vergun
Pentagon News