U.S. Space Command Research and Development Support

The U.S. Space Command Research and Development Support program is designed to enhance military capabilities in space, aligning with the Defense Space Strategy and USSPACECOM Strategic Plan 2027. The program aims to build a comprehensive military advantage in space, integrate military space power into various operations, shape the strategic environment, and foster cooperation with allies and partners. It addresses capability gaps affecting current and future space operations through five lines of effort: space-based effects studies, science and technology demonstrations, operational assessments, coalition building, and campaign modeling.

A significant component of this program is the USSPACECOM Rapid Prototype Demonstration project. This project focuses on rapid operational prototyping to ensure space superiority by evaluating emerging concepts for resiliency, survivability, effectiveness, and lethality. It leverages model-based systems engineering to assess current and future space-based effects, facilitating technology demonstrations and rapid prototyping opportunities. Additionally, the project emphasizes integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into modeling techniques to enhance operations centers' capabilities.

The program also includes Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) initiatives that ensure the integrity of positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) information while denying adversaries similar capabilities. NAVWAR operations are supported by the Joint Navigation Warfare Center (JNWC), which leads research and development efforts to achieve PNT overmatch across services. The JNWC conducts PNT Operational Field Assessments to evaluate threats and develop tactics to mitigate them, ensuring NAVWAR superiority throughout the Department of Defense.

The U.S. Space Command Research and Development Support program aims to advance space capabilities through collaborative efforts with government agencies, industry partners, academia, and international allies. By focusing on rapid innovation and addressing capability gaps against advanced threats, the program seeks to maintain a strategic advantage in space operations while enhancing national security objectives.