In 2008, the number of tracked objects in orbit was just over 9,500. Today, that number exceeds 47,000—and rising. Satellites, debris, and maneuverable platforms crowd every regime from LEO to GEO. “The space domain is now much more congested, populated by systems of various sizes, different orbital regimes, and operated by adversaries as well as ourselves,” explains Dave Meteyer, Group Lead

In defense acquisition, selecting the best technical solution is not enough. Success depends on how well that choice holds up under scrutiny—from oversight bodies, Congress, and operational users alike—while ensuring the program performs as intended. That’s where the traditional approach to Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) falls short.