Space Acquisitions is the process of developing space and ground systems that contribute the DoD space mission. DoD Directive 5000.01 “Defense Acquisition System” and DoD Instruction 5000.02 “Operation of the Defense Acquisition System” are the main documents that dictate how space systems are developed.

DoD Space Systems are those space programs listed in the space virtual Major Force Program (MFP) maintained by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (DCAPE).

The major policy and instructions that dictate how space programs are developed include:

• Space Systems Acquisition Policy (SSAP) (DTM 09-025)
• Joint Publication 3-14 Space Operations
• National Space Policy of the United States
• National Security Space Strategy

A Program Manager (PM) and space acquisition personnel need to understand the following topics to execute a space program successfully. These topics include:

• Air Force Space Command (AFSPC)
• Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

AcqLinks and References:

• DoD Directive 5000.01 “Defense Acquisition System” – 20 Nov 2007
• DoD Instruction 5000.02 “Operation of the Defense Acquisition System” – 8 Dec 2008