New Space Force plan charts path for enhanced Unified Data Library
The Space Force released an updated version of its Data and Artificial Intelligence Strategic Action Plan Wednesday, outlining a roadmap for how the organization intends to improve its ability to share information across systems in fiscal 2025.
The document follows the Space Force’s inaugural action plan, released in 2024, which sought to guide the service in adopting modernized data and analytic capabilities underpinned by AI. The revised version for 2025 looks to build upon last year’s foundational efforts across four lines of effort and provides details on how guardians will further integrate their fledgling cloud-based data repository.
“In this contested and congested domain, superiority will be defined by our ability to integrate with interagency, allies, and commercial partners to advance data capabilities, real-time analytics, and emerging AI technologies to outpace adversaries and maintain operational superiority,” wrote Col. Nathen Iven, acting deputy chief of space operations for cyber and data.
Several action items in the strategy focus on improving the Space Force’s Unified Data Library (UDL) — a cloud-based data repository that ingests and consolidates data from government and commercial sensors in support of the service’s space domain awareness missions. The platform was launched in 2018 by the Air Force Research Laboratory, but users have previously criticized the UDL’s inability to interface with operational systems.
Following a 2023 report from the Government Accountability Office which detailed a slew of challenges with the UDL — including commercial integration, timeliness of the data and a lack of a single data standard — the Space Force has worked to improve the technology so it can transition from a prototype to a program of record.
As such, the new strategic action plan tasked the Space Force to establish the UDL as an official program of record using the Pentagon’s software acquisition pathways before the end of calendar 2024.
“The Unified Data Library entered the Software Acquisition Planning Phase, as approved by the Service Acquisition Executive, on Nov 13, 2024. This milestone completes the transition of the Unified Data Library from a prototype to an established program of record,” a spokesperson told DefenseScoop.
A capability needs statement for the UDL that was due before the end of March, identifies additional enhancements to the system.
“The U.S. Space Force Capability Needs Statement for the USSF Data Integration Layer was signed and approved by the Space Force’s Chief Strategy and Resourcing Officer on Dec 18, 2024,” the spokesperson said.
Throughout the rest of fiscal 2025, the service will identify and expose data from various space domain awareness sensors to the UDL for analysis by the National Space Intelligence Center, according to the plan. The library will “integrate into Space Operations Squadrons (SOPS) orbital analysis suite and other high value assets” to facilitate data sharing across the Space Force enterprise, “spanning tactical, operational, and strategic levels-and with Combatant Commands, commercial entities and partner nations,” officials wrote.
Beyond the UDL, the strategy calls on the service to improve how it shares data with commercial and international partners by establishing relative policies, guidance and standards.
For example, officials are tasked to create guidance for digital infrastructure and data storage in order to support integration with commercial assets — likely part of a broader effort to increase collaboration with the commercial space industry. In addition, the service is expected to develop standards to enable partners to share data and models via its Operational Test, Training, and Infrastructure (OTTI) environment.
The strategic plan also looks to bolster data and AI literacy across the workforce, appoint data and AI officers to oversee related initiatives at field commands, and strengthen partnerships with other government organizations, academia, industry and international partners.
“Data and AI are critical for a warfighting service that is purpose-built for space superiority. This plan charts a course to foster data literacy, equip our Guardians with cutting-edge technologies, and drive innovation,” Iven said in a statement.
Updated on March 20, 2025, at 11:05 AM: This story has been updated to include comments from a Space Force spokesperson about the Unified Data Library entering the software acquisition planning phase and the capability needs statement.
