Washington, D.C. – August 7, 2026 – The Commercial Space Federation (CSF) welcomed today the confirmation of Lieutenant General Douglas A. Schiess, United States Space Force (USSF), to be Chief of Space Operations, as well as Dr. L. Roger Mason, Jr., to be Director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and Dr. Erich Hernandez-Baquero to Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Space Acquisition and Integration.
CSF thanks General B. Chance Saltzman, the outgoing Chief of Space Operations, and Ms. Jennifer Saltzman, for their 35 years of dedicated service to Guardians and their families and the Nation. Under Gen Saltzman’s distinguished leadership, the Space Force grew as an organization, made historic investments in future capabilities, and deepened its partnership with the commercial space industry—all while proving itself as an essential part of the joint force.
CSF also congratulates Lt Gen Schiess, Dr. Mason, and Dr. Hernandez-Baquero on their confirmation and applauds the Senate Armed Services and Select Committee on Intelligence and the full Senate for their thoughtful and timely consideration of their nominations. CSF looks forward to advancing the shared priority of ensuring commercial space forms a core part of Space Force and NRO capabilities.
“We stand ready to with these newly confirmed leaders and further our critical partnerships,” said Dave Cavossa, CSF’s President. “Our members are indispensable parts of the national security space enterprise, and we remain committed to supporting the warfighting and intelligence communities and protecting U.S. interests in space.”
About CSF
Founded in 2006, CSF and its members are laying the foundation for democratizing access to outer space for scientists, students, civilians, and businesses. All while working towards the goal of expanding the U.S. Commercial Space Economy. Through the promotion of technological innovation, CSF and its diverse membership are guiding the bolstering of U.S. leadership in aerospace and inspiring America’s next generation of engineers and explorers. CSF also serves as the commercial space industry’s primary advocate with the U.S. Congress and the Administration, helping inform the development and implementation of policy priorities. By engaging with congressional players, CSF is able to provide recommendations on commercial space issues that will impact the commercial space industry in the short and long term.
