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So the United States intends to cooperate more actively with its allies.
The Pentagon has updated its space program classification policy, which reduces restrictions on information sharing and simplifies cooperation between US Space Forces and allies, industrial partners and other agencies.
The policy itself, according to John Plumb, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, remains classified. He stressed that the revision of the document is not aimed at declassifying secret programs, but at eliminating outdated rules regarding the disclosure of information about specific programs. Plumb noted that the main task is to reduce the level of classification where it interferes with the effective work or mission performance of military personnel.
The issue of privacy in the space industry has long been on the agenda of the US Department of Defense. In this regard, the agency intends to gradually review the current rules for classifying space programs and protocols for exchanging information collected by spacecraft. The main purpose of these measures is to ensure a more efficient exchange of information with the union States, while maintaining the confidentiality of key aspects.
The policy, signed by Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks in late December, addresses a special security category called the "special access program." When a Space Force begins a satellite or technology development program, it usually receives one of two security levels — unclassified or Special Access Program (SAP). Assigning the SAP rating to a program severely restricts information exchange and makes integration between platforms and other types of armed forces difficult.
According to Plumb, in the process of implementing the new policy, the Ministry of Defense plans to apply "minimum classifications" for various space programs. In each individual case, an assessment will be conducted to determine whether the program needs a high degree of secrecy, as in the "special access program" (SAP), or whether it can be classified less strictly. This approach will ensure that security levels are regularly reviewed, which will help avoid unnecessary restrictions on the exchange of information.
Plumb noted that his department, together with the US Space Command, has made separate efforts to improve the exchange of information with international allies.
"The more we can share with our allies and partners, the deeper our cooperation can be" he said. "But it won't happen overnight.
The Pentagon has updated its space program classification policy, which reduces restrictions on information sharing and simplifies cooperation between US Space Forces and allies, industrial partners and other agencies.
The policy itself, according to John Plumb, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, remains classified. He stressed that the revision of the document is not aimed at declassifying secret programs, but at eliminating outdated rules regarding the disclosure of information about specific programs. Plumb noted that the main task is to reduce the level of classification where it interferes with the effective work or mission performance of military personnel.
The issue of privacy in the space industry has long been on the agenda of the US Department of Defense. In this regard, the agency intends to gradually review the current rules for classifying space programs and protocols for exchanging information collected by spacecraft. The main purpose of these measures is to ensure a more efficient exchange of information with the union States, while maintaining the confidentiality of key aspects.
The policy, signed by Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks in late December, addresses a special security category called the "special access program." When a Space Force begins a satellite or technology development program, it usually receives one of two security levels — unclassified or Special Access Program (SAP). Assigning the SAP rating to a program severely restricts information exchange and makes integration between platforms and other types of armed forces difficult.
According to Plumb, in the process of implementing the new policy, the Ministry of Defense plans to apply "minimum classifications" for various space programs. In each individual case, an assessment will be conducted to determine whether the program needs a high degree of secrecy, as in the "special access program" (SAP), or whether it can be classified less strictly. This approach will ensure that security levels are regularly reviewed, which will help avoid unnecessary restrictions on the exchange of information.
Plumb noted that his department, together with the US Space Command, has made separate efforts to improve the exchange of information with international allies.
"The more we can share with our allies and partners, the deeper our cooperation can be" he said. "But it won't happen overnight.
