Insight | The 35th Space Symposium: Moving forward swiftly to an integrated multi-domain architecture
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After participating in the 35th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, earlier this month, I walked away with a resounding sense of confidence that Department of Defense (DoD) leadership is driving toward an integrated satellite communication (SATCOM) architecture with commercial capabilities foundational to support multi-domain operations. In addition, a clear consensus is emerging among government leaders to resolve – quickly – a lingering disconnect between legacy terminals and adopting multi-mode, multi-band terminal solutions supported by ongoing advancements in the satellite industry.
Specifically, the following developments signify what I consider as an encouraging evolution of the DoD’s space strategy and overall SATCOM acquisition culture:
In the bigger picture, I observe that the collective statements from leaders during the symposium stress a “need for speed” in taking advantage of existing commercial SATCOM innovation – to resolve the terminal problems effectively and swiftly, while paving the path for an industry-government partnership which would result in a more agile space operating environment. It is only through the development of rich, complementary capabilities within a diverse, integrated multi-domain architecture, with commercial capabilities as a foundation, that we can ensure the required level of enhanced resiliency.
Rebecca M. Cowen-Hirsch is Senior Vice President for Government Strategy and Policy for Inmarsat Government, based in Washington. Ms. Cowen-Hirsch brings 25 years of defense, aerospace, and executive leadership experience to Inmarsat. As a decorated member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) in the U.S. Department of Defense, she served as the Program Executive Officer for SATCOM, Teleport and Services at the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and in several key SES executive positions including the first Vice Component Acquisition Executive for DISA, with executive management responsibility for the acquisition oversight and horizontal integration of DISA’s products, services, and programs. Ms Cowen-Hirsch established the Defense Spectrum Office, serving as its first Director where her responsibilities included the development of national security spectrum strategic plans and policy, and national and international negotiation of defense spectrum issues. Her broad defense career ranged from systems engineering, experimental flight test, program management, spectrum management, and a wide range of executive leadership positions. Ms. Cowen-Hirsch was a rated experimental flight test engineer; was the first female civilian Mission Commander for the Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft (ARIA) mission, and was the recipient of an Exemplary Service Medal for her years of selfless service to the Department of Defense. Ms Cowen-Hirsch has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, conducted post-graduate studies in Engineering Management, and is a graduate of the University of Tennessee Space Institute Experimental Flight Test Program; the DoD’s Acquisition Management Program; and the Cambridge Senior Executive Leadership Program.