Guideline: 2023 Space Capability Development Blueprint (CGD Report)
In a significant move to advance national space interests, a new resource has been unveiled: the "Handbook for Space Capability Development." This guide, aimed at countries starting to develop space capabilities, offers a practical approach to building foundational space capabilities that can contribute to sustainable development and economic growth.
The handbook prioritizes foundational space capabilities, such as technology discovery, development, integration, and operationalization. These capabilities are crucial for enabling affordable and effective warfighting in air, space, and cyberspace domains. The handbook emphasizes experimentation as a core capability development activity, involving the discovery of new technologies, identifying gaps, maturing emerging technologies into systems, and responding innovatively to urgent needs.
To ensure operational readiness and safety, the handbook directs the implementation of frameworks such as risk assessments, configuration management, and lifecycle airworthiness. It mandates delegation of authority for assessment and risk acceptance in line with mission needs, ensuring adequate scientific and technical evaluation. This structured approach supports countries in iteratively developing space capabilities that are affordable, reliable, and suitable for integration into national defense and space operations.
The handbook promotes research and experimentation to discover and mature new technology. It also encourages a balanced approach, combining innovation with rigorous assessment to meet mission needs effectively. The guide offers a step-by-step process for developing space capabilities, including evaluating national priorities and existing capabilities. Illustrative use cases and references for further reading are provided.
The "Handbook for Space Capability Development" does not focus on specific tags such as Commercial Space, Economic Development, Economic Growth, Sustainable Development, or FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Email, or Copy URL. It also does not discuss the "National Orbital Debris Implementation Plan 2022", Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, the Australian Government's perspective, or returning to the Moon's benefits for commercial, military, and political sectors. The objective is to establish an inclusive, pragmatic, open-access resource.
While the detailed contents of the handbook itself are not fully exposed in the search results, the referenced Air Force Instruction document (DAFI 62-601) contains a comprehensive framework emphasizing experimentation and risk-managed development as foundational processes. This suggests that the handbook likely shares these principles, providing guidance on how to mature technology from concept through operational deployment, underpinned by rigorous testing, risk assessment, and configuration control.
In conclusion, the "Handbook for Space Capability Development" serves as a valuable resource for countries seeking to build their space capabilities. By following its guidance, nations can develop affordable, reliable, and suitable space capabilities that can contribute to sustainable development and economic growth, ultimately maximizing benefits for social and economic development.
- The handbook encourages the exploration of commercial space, especially in terms of technology discovery and development, as a means to boost space economy and economic growth.
- The space-and-astronomy sector can significantly benefit from the implementation of the handbook's framework, which includes practices like risk assessments and lifecycle airworthiness.
- The handbook advocates for a balanced approach in space capability development, combining innovation with rigorous scientific and technical evaluation to address mission needs.
- The handbook, while not directly focusing on specific aspects like the National Orbital Debris Implementation Plan 2022 or Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, does emphasize the importance of addressing issues like orbital debris in space policy for operational readiness and safety.