# Space Force Faces Program Delays Due to Budget Impasse

The U.S. Space Force is experiencing significant delays in approximately 10% of its programs due to a continuing resolution (CR) extending funding uncertainty through mid-December 2026. The fiscal year 2027 budget request of **$71.2 billion**, nearly double the previous year, remains unfunded, impacting critical acquisitions for emerging space control and superiority capabilities. Senior leaders including Gen. Douglas Schiess, Chief of Space Operations, and Chief Master Sgt. John Bentivegna emphasize the urgent need for congressional appropriations to enable the acquisition process and system deliveries essential to national defense.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should anticipate delays and potential shifts in contract timelines and funding availability for Space Force programs through at least mid-December 2026.
- The extended CR limits new contract awards and obligational authority, affecting vendors and contractors supporting space control and defense capabilities.
- Companies exhibiting at defense events in Maryland, such as General Atomics Aeronautical and Saab, may see altered procurement priorities or schedules.
- Organizations should prepare for accelerated acquisition activities once appropriations are enacted, aligning proposals and capacity to meet urgent Space Force requirements.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 15, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Space Force (USSF)
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- Congress

### Vendors
- General Atomics Aeronautical (exhibitor)
- Marvin Test Solutions (exhibitor)
- AeroVironment (exhibitor)
- Crystal Group (exhibitor)
- Saab (exhibitor)

### Key Quotes
> We need to be able to move forward and get an acquisition process so we can build and take possession of the systems the service requires to accomplish its goals.
> — Chief Master Sgt. John Bentivegna, U.S. Space Force

> We’re thankful that we have a CR for going into October, but I would really be more thankful if we had a budget.
> — Gen. Douglas Schiess, Chief of Space Operations

### Sources
- [Budget impasse imperils 1 in 10 Space Force programs, new chief says - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/09/budget-impasse-imperils-1-in-10-space-force-programs-new-chief-says) - Breaking Defense