NSSA Calls for Doubling U.S. Space Force Budget to Maintain Space Superiority

NSSA Calls for Doubling U.S. Space Force Budget to Maintain Space Superiority
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 11, 2025

The National Security Space Association (NSSA) has issued an official position paper titled "Double Down on the Space Force Budget," urging Congress to increase the U.S. Space Force budget to $60 billion over the FY 2026-2030 Future Years Defense Program (FYDP). This proposed budget expansion is deemed essential to counter emerging threats posed by China and Russia, both of which have advanced counterspace capabilities, cyber warfare tactics, and anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons that threaten U.S. national security and global stability.

"The establishment of the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Space Command was a groundbreaking step in securing U.S. leadership in space," said Steve Jacques, Executive Director of NSSA. "We recognize the vision, innovation, and leadership demonstrated by President Trump, senior military officials, and the warfighter in building a service capable of meeting modern space challenges. However, China's rapid military-civil fusion strategy and Russia's continued investment in space-based threats are eroding U.S. dominance. We must act decisively to provide the funding, procurement agility, and operational flexibility necessary to ensure the United States of America remains the world's preeminent space power."

According to NSSA, China has significantly expanded its space-based military assets, deploying hundreds of satellites, developing hypersonic weapons, and increasing contested cislunar operations. Meanwhile, Russia continues its aggressive stance with reconnaissance satellites targeting U.S. military assets and the reported development of a nuclear-armed ASAT weapon. The NSSA warns that failure to respond with increased investment could place U.S. military and commercial space operations at risk.

To maintain strategic dominance, NSSA advocates for a phased budget increase focused on improving missile warning and tracking, counterspace operations, intelligence and surveillance capabilities, secure satellite communications, and rapid launch readiness. The association stresses that while funding is crucial, legislative reforms must accompany it to optimize procurement efficiency, streamline acquisitions, and accelerate the deployment of vital technologies.

NSSA also recommends that Congress introduce mission-specific budget allocations, allowing greater flexibility in financial execution to quickly address emerging threats. Additionally, fostering stronger partnerships with the commercial space sector will enhance innovation while ensuring that warfighter-driven requirements remain a priority in future investments.

To secure the nation's space superiority, NSSA urges Congress and the Executive Branch to integrate these recommendations into the FY 2026 President's Budget Request, gain bipartisan support for sustained Space Force funding, and establish a long-term commitment to growth through the FYDP process.

Research Report:ACCELERATE OR LOSE: Double Down on the Space Force Budget