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Gunsmoke-J experimental satellite, Army image
WASHINGTON: The Army is negotiating with the Intelligence Community and Space Force about ensuring operational control of any future Army-built ISR payloads hosted on DoD, IC and/or commercial satellites, says Willie Nelson, the de facto head of Army space programs.
“This is a watershed,” said Doug Loverro, former head of DoD space policy and a long-time player in space intelligence operations. “It represents the increased importance of tactical overhead support to Army forces for long range fires.”
Why? If the service wins even a modicum of control over where future IC ISR birds are ‘pointed’ a prerogative the IC traditionally has zealously guarded it would represent a major break with the past.