Why It Matters
A recent Government Accountability Office report released on August 27 found that the Department of Defense is missing opportunities to use commercial space data and related services that could strengthen national security capabilities. Some Space Force officials were hesitant to purchase and use commercial space data because of licensing costs, perceived use restrictions, and concerns over long-term data access.
The stakes are significant. Threats to DOD's space assets from strategic competitors have grown substantially in number and intensity, according to GAO, while the department is working to integrate commercial space solutions to mitigate those threats and enhance its capabilities.
The Big Picture
From Jan. 27, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2025, the Space Force spent $123.9 million on data and services through the Global Data Marketplace, a contractor-operated platform. The Joint Commercial Operations Cell (JCO) accounted for $76.8 million, or 62 percent, of that spending. JCO purchases supported missions including space domain awareness and tactical surveillance, reconnaissance, and tracking. Beyond JCO, the National Reconnaissance Office and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency also purchased commercial imagery and analytic products from fiscal 2021 through fiscal 2025.
The U.S. commercial space sector has grown rapidly over the last few years, and DOD depends on companies in that sector to provide data about activities on Earth and in space. Commercial data can help fill gaps in government collection capabilities, provide information that can be more easily shared with allies and partners because it is not classified, and allow DOD to take advantage of private-sector innovation.
Political Stakes
JCO has led the Cross-Government Commercial Data Sharing Working Group since 2024 to discuss and coordinate current and future commercial space data purchases by federal organizations. The informal group meets monthly, but GAO found that information about it is not widely available.
GAO found that many of the challenges reported by Space Force officials could have been addressed through discussions within the working group, but those officials were not participating in it. JCO officials said they would support listing information about the group to increase awareness.
Members of Congress directed GAO through a Senate Armed Services Committee report to review DOD's purchases of commercial space data and services. GAO examined the types of commercial space data and related services DOD purchased from fiscal 2021 through fiscal 2025 and the challenges the department encountered when purchasing and using them.
GAO analyzed expenditures for orders made through the Global Data Marketplace from Jan. 27, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2025. The agency also obtained unclassified summary information from the National Reconnaissance Office and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, attended a working group meeting, reviewed the Global Data Marketplace contract, and interviewed DOD officials and contractor representatives.
The Bottom Line
DOD agreed with GAO's recommendation that the secretary of the Air Force ensure the Space Force develops ways to inform current and potential users about the Cross-Government Commercial Data Sharing Working Group and how to access and use commercial data and services that government entities have already purchased.
The recommendation remains open. GAO said DOD plans to increase awareness of the working group and information about how officials can access previously purchased commercial space data and services.
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