Space Force Unlikely.

• Position: Brief Article - Interview

The congressionally appointed "space commission" that currently is evaluating the organization of U.S. space programs is unlikely to recommend the creation of a "space force," said Lt. Gen. John Costello, chief of the Army's Space and Missile Defense Command.

The commission, led by former defense secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, is expected to complete its report and recommendations by April 2001.

Even though the Army has not endorsed the establishment of a separate agency to manage space programs, most of which currently are managed by the Air Force, "we do see the need for the development of a better requirements process," Costello said. "We see a need for better coordination with the agencies outside of the Defense Department," such as the intelligence community...