The Pentagon issued a “Plan for Operationally Responsive Space” with no fanfare in April, in response to Congressional direction. We have a copy now. The focus of the plan is on the establishment of the ORS office, which it has placed at Kirtland AFB, N.M., “to enable a quick stand up and to maximize synergy with on-going Air Force efforts in small satellites, launches, and ranges.” The plan confirms that the DOD Executive Agent for Space—a position filled by the Undersecretary of the Air Force—will oversee the new office and serve as acquisition executive. The ORS office will comprise 10 to 20 military and civilian positions and will be a joint duty assignment for military personnel. DOD expects to staff the ORS office with “small integrated teams of experienced and diverse backgrounds consisting of warfighters, operators, scientists, engineers, and acquisition specialists.”
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
