The U.S. Space Force (USSF) wants to send its satellites and other assets into orbit more quickly. The Space Force has asked for $60 million for its "tactically responsive space" programme, which has already conducted one demonstration mission successfully and is planning to launch a second in May, in order to accomplish this aim. 

The programme, which aims to assist the Space Force launch satellites and spacecraft at a far faster rate in reaction to anticipated adversary actions in space, is making its first direct budget request. 

The funds will assist the Pentagon's efforts to look into short-notice small satellite launch capabilities until 2024 and 2025.

The initiative is looking into the option of utilising commercial launch vehicle suppliers to set up the required infrastructure for a rapid launch of cargo into orbit. 

The capacity to swiftly launch satellites and spacecraft into orbit has long piqued the interest of the defence industry due to its numerous potential military uses. 

The Military has expressed worries that the growing number of anti-satellite missiles and other capabilities developed by rivals make America's space-based assets susceptible to strikes. 

The capacity to replace a satellite or improve the capabilities of an existing one has become a major priority in prospective conflict scenarios since the US military extensively depends on space-based assets.

In 2021, the USSF launched TacRL-2, a demonstration mission, atop a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket. According to a statement from the USSF at the time, the mission successfully illustrated the end-to-end approach to tactically responsive missions by integrating the space vehicle, launch vehicle, payloads, and ground elements in record time.

For its "tactically responsive space" programme, the USSF is asking for $60 million in financing. This programme attempts to launch satellites and other vehicles into orbit fast to fend against any hostile space offensives. The programme has already completed the successful TacRL-2 demonstration flight and is currently preparing TacRL-3, also known as Victus Nox. 

The mission's launch vehicle will be a Firefly Aerospace Alpha rocket, while Millennium Space Systems will supply the payload. With $30 million apiece requested for 2024 and 2025, the budget proposal guarantees that the program's subsequent launch won't be its final one. 

In an effort to broaden the basis of its space infrastructure, the Space Force has allowed four private enterprises access to its launch pads at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Congress's support

For the previous three years, Congress has added $115 million to the Pentagon budget for strategically responsive space demonstrations. The programme, according to congressional supporters, is necessary because recent events have demonstrated the strategic importance of satellites, making them more desirable targets.

The Space Force's Tactically Responsive Launch-2 (TacRL-2) mission, launched in 2021 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket, served as an example of responsive space.

Victus Nox, a future Tactically Responsive Launch-3 mission, might launch as early as May. In September, the launch service provider Firefly Aerospace and the satellite producer Millennium Space received a contract for this test. 

They will be on standby after having around eight months to be ready. Firefly will receive a 24-hour warning from the Space Force to prepare for launch.

Victus Nox, which means "conquer the night" in Latin, aims to show off quick turnaround launch operations and aid planners in understanding the front-end procedures leading up to the launch.

The programme will "continue developing, showing, and stressing end-to-end tactically responsive space solutions based on lessons gained and identified pain points from the Victus Nox demonstration," according to budget records.

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