Lawmakers Advocate for Space Force to Allocate Funds Toward Commercially Developed Surveillance Technologies
The Tactical Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Tracking (TacSRT) program, initially established as a pilot program by the U.S. Space Force in 2024, is set for significant development in fiscal 2026. The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) has directed the Pentagon to formally establish TacSRT as a program of record under the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
This move signifies a commitment to stabilize and potentially increase funding for the program over time. While specific funding details for TacSRT in fiscal 2026 are not explicitly outlined, the transition to a program of record suggests a long-term strategy to ensure the program's continued development and funding.
Congress plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the TacSRT program. The HASC's directive will require the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to establish a Title 10 requirement for the program, solidifying its place within the defense budget.
In the past, Congress has demonstrated its active involvement in shaping the Space Force's programs and budget allocations, including pushing for investment in new commercial surveillance technologies. For instance, Congress added around $40 million to the program in past years. However, detailed funding figures for TacSRT specifically in fiscal 2026 are not yet clearly disclosed.
The overall budget for the Space Force in 2026 is proposed to be around $40 billion, with a significant portion allocated to Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) activities, which could encompass programs like TacSRT.
The TacSRT program has already shown promising results, having been used during the withdrawal from air bases in Niger and the construction of the Joint-Logistics-Over-the-Shore pier off Gaza in 2024. The program provides unclassified, quick recon or surveillance information to organizations within the Pentagon.
In addition, lawmakers are pushing for the Space Force to enhance its tactical surveillance capabilities by exploring the very low-Earth orbit (VLEO) domain. Rep. Jeff Crank has proposed adding $1 million to the budget "for the development of a Very Low Earth Orbit Persistent Surveillance System" in a separate amendment to the defense appropriations bill.
The amendment recognizes the potential of VLEO for "persistent surveillance, tactical ISR, and responsive sensing in contested environments." The HASC and lawmakers working on the appropriations bill have also directed the Space Force to study the technology, potential uses, costs, and risks associated with VLEO.
The VLEO market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with better Earth observation being a key reason. The Space Force has released a Small Business Innovation Research solicitation asking for "novel propulsion systems" to keep satellites in VLEO, with the goal of unlocking sustained operations in VLEO for missions like "intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), communications, and space domain awareness."
In the defense appropriations bill recently advanced out of the House Rules Committee, lawmakers have directed the Pentagon's Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) office to review the TacSRT program and make recommendations. CAPE has been asked to brief Congress on its findings within six months.
For fiscal 2026, lawmakers want the Space Force to receive funding for the TacSRT program. The HASC has added $5 million directed toward "VLEO Spacecraft for Tactical SRT" in the authorization bill. However, the funding would need to be appropriated.
The evolution of funding for the TacSRT program reflects Congress's strategy to ensure long-term support and development of critical defense initiatives. The program's success story and its potential for enhancing tactical surveillance capabilities have made it a focus of attention for lawmakers, setting the stage for its continued growth and development.
- The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) has directed the Pentagon to establish the TacSRT program as a program of record under the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), indicative of a long-term commitment to its development and funding.
- In the defense appropriations bill, lawmakers have added $5 million directed toward "VLEO Spacecraft for Tactical SRT" in the authorization bill, signifying a focus on enhancing the program's tactical surveillance capabilities, particularly in the Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) domain.
- The Space Force is pushing for investment in new commercial surveillance technologies, as demonstrated by Congress added around $40 million to the program in past years, highlighting the interplay between technology, sports (in terms of strategy and competition), and defense.
- The TacSRT program, a collaboration between the Pentagon and the Space Force, has shown promise in providing unclassified, quick recon or surveillance information, being used during operations such as the withdrawal from air bases in Niger and the construction of the Joint-Logistics-Over-the-Shore pier off Gaza in 2024.
