Shannon Pallone
PAE, BMC3I
Mission-focused acquisition succeeds when technology, software, and organizations are integrated around operational outcomes rather than individual programs, budgets, or processes.
In this fireside chat, Shannon Pallone discusses how the future of space acquisition must shift from managing individual programs and spending budgets toward delivering mission outcomes. She argues that success should be measured by how effectively systems help warfighters make faster, better decisions rather than by traditional acquisition metrics such as cost, schedule, and performance alone.
A central theme is the importance of software and integration. Pallone emphasizes that satellites, ground systems, applications, and data must work together as a connected ecosystem. She believes that the biggest challenge facing space acquisition is not building individual technologies, but ensuring they integrate seamlessly to provide operational advantage at speed and scale.
Pallone also highlights the need for acquisition reform that encourages innovation, outcome-based contracting, collaboration among industry partners, and the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. She advocates rewarding teams for solving mission problems together rather than optimizing isolated programs.
Throughout the discussion, she encourages acquisition professionals to remain curious, embrace experimentation, and view failure as a learning opportunity. She argues that empowering younger, digitally native professionals and creating a culture that supports adaptation and reinvention will be essential to maintaining space superiority in an increasingly complex environment.
“If all of those pieces that we're putting together don't actually change the ability for decision makers to have the data that they need to make those decisions, then I think we've failed them.”
5 Key Takeaways
Mission Outcomes Matter More Than Program Metrics.
Acquisition success should be measured by the operational advantage delivered to warfighters, not solely by cost, schedule, performance, or spending targets. The ultimate goal is enabling faster and better decision-making.
Integration Is More Important Than Individual Systems.
Satellites, software, sensors, and ground systems must function as a connected ecosystem. A great capability that cannot integrate with other systems provides limited mission value.
Software Is the Enabler of Space Capability.
Hardware alone does not create operational effectiveness. Software, data sharing, and digital infrastructure are what transform space assets into actionable mission capabilities.
Innovation Requires Curiosity, Experimentation, and Acceptance of Failure.
Leaders should encourage teams to test new ideas, embrace emerging technologies like AI, and learn from failures. Rapid experimentation and adaptation are essential in a rapidly changing environment.
The Future of Acquisition Depends on Collaboration.
Government and industry must move beyond siloed approaches and work together around shared mission outcomes. Success will come from rewarding teamwork, interoperability, and collective problem-solving rather than optimizing individual programs.
"I'm trying to create an environment for my teams where I reward de-optimizing your individual success if it optimizes the overall success of the ecosystem and the mission."
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