An Agile Ethos for Rapid Space Capability Delivery

Multiple senior leaders across the space enterprise have highlighted the need for speed in space acquisition, but how does an acquisition system designed for exquisite, one-of-a-kind systems adapt to a new paradigm? We propose an Agile Ethos, one which recognizes, first and foremost, that success in acquiring a space system should be measured by the capability it provides to the end user to meet their operational need. To the end user, the effective use of space system capabilities is paramount. To support the end user by rapidly delivering capabilities, this Ethos calls for programs to be end-user driven, bold, team-centered, decision-oriented, and timely. This paper provides practical advice for applying each element of the Agile Ethos to programs at all levels of development, by all levels of developers, stakeholders, engineers, and scientists. It also discusses the application of the Ethos across the spectrum of typical defense space acquisition approaches, and dispels common myths related to agile acquisition.