# Space Force Expands Commercial Space Access

Space Systems Command’s Commercial Space Office launched ACES to help commercial companies and government sponsors complete the steps for industry participation in classified national security space programs. A company must first connect with a government sponsor that has a validated classified mission need; ACES does not let firms independently request clearances. Separately, SSC awarded six purchase agreements through the ACCESS Contract to establish the initial Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve surge capability for Space Domain Awareness in support of Joint Commercial Operations. The signals identify no award values, solicitation deadlines, or specific awardees.

- Companies seeking classified space work should establish contact with a government sponsor that can validate a mission need; ACES is a pathway to supported access, not an independent clearance process.
- ACES may draw on OTAs and other contracting vehicles, creating potential routes for commercial technology providers once a sponsor identifies a qualifying need.
- Commercial Space Domain Awareness providers may have a route to future CASR participation. Interested firms are encouraged to contact the USSF Front Door; no contact details or solicitation schedule are provided in the signals.
- The six ACCESS purchase agreements establish initial surge capacity, so firms should distinguish this existing award activity from any future CASR participation opportunity.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** October 26, 2026

### Government Entities
- Space Systems Command (SSC)
- Space Systems Command Commercial Space Office (COMSO)
- U.S. Space Force (USSF)
- Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

### Key Quotes
> ACES brings together the tools, resources, and expertise of our mission partners, including SpaceWERX, the Defense Innovation Unit, and DARPA, to help reduce barriers for companies that have a validated need to support classified space missions.
> — Col. Aaron Stevenson, Deputy Director of COMSO

> The first step is for a company to connect with a government sponsor that has an identified need for a classified engagement.
> — Col. Tim Trimailo, Director of COMSO

### Sources
- [SSC’s COMSO Seeks Faster Classified Industry Access via ACES](https://www.executivegov.com/articles/ssc-comso-aces-program-industry-classified-access) - ExecutiveGov
- [Space Force Launches ACES to Accelerate Security Clearances for Commercial Space Companies - ClearanceJobs](https://news.clearancejobs.com/2026/10/26/space-force-launches-aces-to-accelerate-security-clearances-for-commercial-space-companies) - Security Clearance Jobs