at launch. The same DoD resources were not actively standing by for the planned maritime reentry to one of seven pre-determined loca- tions across Districts 7 and 8. Further, the Inspiration-4 and Axiom-1 missions were all-civilian crewed missions to low earth orbit and the International Space Station, respectively. These dynamic, inaugural missions, required field commanders to identify policy gaps, determine appro- priate SAR resource response posture, and create new path- ways for communications with current and past part- ners. As new space companies emerge with unique operat- ing plans, including various capsules—even air balloons soaring to low earth orbit and landing on the water—early communication with the pro- viders is necessary to ensure SAR mission coordinators and rescue coordination centers are prepared to respond. Despite great strides ahead, some critical questions remain, including: • What is the Coast Guard’s role in private astronaut recovery? • Is there a role for commercial space SAR companies? If so, should it be regulated or be subject to government oversight? Is it the next generation of maritime SAR assistance policy? • Given the potential hypergolic threats to capsule recovery and space related SAR, should there be structured training, exercises, or safety programs? • Space recovery could happen in any district or sector; is a National Quick Response Card necessary? Should space vehicles be included in SAR operations? • As the model for international SAR, is there a role for the Coast Guard in global recovery policy development? Marine Safety Detachment Port Canaveral staff attend a Space Support Vessel (SSV) in Port Canaveral. Detachment inspections personnel average 30 annual visits to SSVs versus 3 visits to traditional Coast Guard inspected vessels. Coast Guard photo a repeatable, equitable, and transparent approach to the emerging space mission. The development of any new program requires organizational mission prioritiza- tion, including acceptable risk, projected investment in resources and budget, and commitment of intellectual capital on policy development. Today, sector command- ers are leveraging broad authorities to apply common sense regulatory oversight amidst novel technology, rapid change, and the growth of the maritime space industry. Anticipating change is essential to adequately applying current resources and making tough deci- sions in the future. The breakneck development of the space industry makes sustaining the current operational tempo and regulatory approach a top challenge for sec- tor, district, area and headquarters. As we look forward, the next decade of Coast Guard support to space opera- erent from today’s. tions is certain to look diff About the author: This article is a collaboration between CDR Jillian Lamb, LCDR John DiNino, LCDR Steve Dross, and LT j.g. Griffin Terpstra. Sector Jack- sonville and Marine Safety Detachment Port Canaveral work across all departments and divisions to successfully execute the space mission, Operation Solar Guardian. Together, Sector personnel are establishing relationships throughout the Coast Guard to build the requisite space expertise and to support District, Area, and Headquarters personnel with this evolving mission. References: United States Space Priorities Framework. December 2021. Looking to the Future The Coast Guard workforce is highly adaptive and pos- sesses a penchant for leveraging on-scene initiative to get the job done. Just like field commanders did follow- ing the terrorist attacks of September 11, today’s work- force is functioning across districts and sectors to create 30 Proceedings Summer 2023