Space Test Program (STP)

The Space Test Program (STP) is an important initiative under the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation efforts, managed by the Space Force. Its primary goal is to execute the Department of Defense's Space Experiments Review Board process, which consolidates requirements from the space Science and Technology community. This consolidation aims to optimize space system missions and maximize resource benefits. STP is responsible for designing and executing missions that maximize launch mass to orbit, combining multiple flight experiments on suitable spacecraft, and facilitating launch packages for government, commercial, and international partnerships.

The objectives of STP include demonstrating on-orbit performance of new technologies to increase technology readiness levels and validate research hypotheses for the Science and Technology community. Additionally, it focuses on developing future operational capabilities while advancing tactics, techniques, and procedures for future space test capabilities. The program also supports Science and Technology efforts by leveraging national and international launch opportunities to enhance space access.

STP plays a crucial role in supporting Space Force efforts to define future system architectures that address emerging threats. It aims to enable resilient space capabilities and employ tactical space operations to ensure freedom of operations in the space domain. The program adheres to Executive Orders 10521 and 13185, as well as requirements from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. Since a policy statement issued in July 2002, STP has been reaffirmed as the primary provider of spaceflight for the DoD space research community.

In terms of procurement activities, STP integrates payloads onto spaceflight missions across various DoD on-orbit research and development initiatives. This includes acquiring associated spacecraft and integration hardware. The program also purchases launch services, vehicles, and support necessary for ensuring spaceflight worthiness. On-orbit satellite operations are executed for STP-sponsored missions to maintain ongoing operations for International Space Station payloads and DoD SERB payloads as requested. The acquisition strategy involves using competitively awarded contracts such as the Department Of Defense Human-rated Payload Support Task Order contract to support payloads on NASA exploration vehicles.