Rachel Jung, 1st Lt, USSF

1st Lt Rachel Jung serves as a contracting professional within the FA8810 Space Sensing Squadron, supporting the U.S. Space Force’s mission to develop and integrate next-generation space-based sensing systems for missile warning, overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) battlespace awareness, and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) surveillance. She plays a critical role in executing complex research and development acquisitions that advance resilient, next-generation space sensing architectures, ensuring the Department of Defense maintains superiority in contested orbital environments. Her portfolio primarily consists of R&D contracts focused on sensor design, signal processing, data fusion, and ground system integration for space-based environmental and threat monitoring systems. Rachel collaborates with a broad spectrum of defense contractors and research institutions specializing in aerospace engineering, electro-optical systems, and space domain awareness technologies. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently engages with prime contractors possessing deep expertise in OPIR payload development, MEO satellite bus design, and real-time data analytics for space situational awareness. Her procurement approach emphasizes technical innovation, rapid prototyping, and seamless integration with existing DoD space architectures, fostering partnerships with firms capable of delivering high-reliability, low-SWaP (size, weight, and power) sensing solutions. Rachel’s contracting activity reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions conducted under non-set-aside authorities. She does not prioritize socioeconomic set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, instead focusing on technical capability and mission-critical performance as the primary selection criteria. This reflects the high-stakes, classified nature of her portfolio and the need for rapid access to cutting-edge capabilities. Her primary NAICS classification is 541715, indicating a laser focus on research and development in physical and engineering sciences. She procures advanced sensor systems, space-qualified electronics, algorithmic data processing tools, and mission-critical software for space-based infrared and surveillance payloads, demonstrating deep technical fluency in space sensing, orbital mechanics, and defense systems engineering.