Air Force Budget Request Calls for Space Superiority

The House Armed Service Committee held a hearing Feb. 18 on the Air Force's FY 2012 budget request, which includes $11.6 billion for space superiority efforts. The requests for Air Force space programs includes:

• $1.138 billion for Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles
• $987 million for Space-Based Infrared System
• $2.292 billion for Advanced Extremely High Frequency
• $281 million for Wideband Global Satcom
• $410 million for GPS 3 Space Segment
• $398 million for Defense Weather Satellite System
• $133 million for Operationally Responsive Space
• $284 million for Space Situational Awareness
• $4.6 billion for cyberspace superiority

The budget request supports the Air Force's ongoing operationalization of cyberspace with emphasis on protecting the Air Force infrastructure, developing expertise to meet mission needs and accelerating its acquisition process.

At the hearing, members of Congress voiced their eagerness to provide the legal framework for the Air Force to implement its proposed space acquisitions reform program.

For budget request details, click here.