Army Space Systems Integration

The Army Space Systems Integration program, funded under Program Element (PE) 0603308A, is a key research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative managed by the United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC). Its primary objective is to develop and integrate global space and high-altitude (SHA) capabilities to support the Army, joint forces, allies, and partners. This enables multi-domain combat effects, enhances deterrence, and protects the nation from strategic attacks. The program is executed from principal USASMDC locations in Huntsville, Alabama; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

Space and Missile Defense Integration is the central project within this program element, focusing on the development of SHA force modernization activities. The Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence (SMDCoE) leads efforts to identify capability gaps, validate warfighting concepts, and develop Doctrine, Organizations, Training, Materiel, Leadership & Education, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy (DOTMLPF-P) solutions. This ensures that Army forces can leverage SHA domains for decentralized operations and synchronized effects in support of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), particularly against near-peer adversaries and anti-access/area denial (A2AD) threats.

Space and High Altitude Capability Development Proponency supports Army modernization by integrating emerging technologies to enhance the effectiveness of Multi-Domain Task Forces (MDTF), Multi-Domain Effects Battalions (MDEB), and Theater Strike Effects Groups (TSEG). The goal is to ensure that SHA capabilities are deployable, usable, and sustainable by Army warfighting forces. This directly supports the Army Transformation Initiative (ATI) and enables strategic land power in multi-domain environments.

Joint Friendly Force Tracking (J-FFT) Testbed is another significant objective, developing and deploying advanced tracking capabilities to improve situational awareness and command and control. The J-FFT testbed supports the integration of multiple device types and data architectures, enhancing data visualization and management for combat operations. It also plays a technical leadership role in developing a NATO Common Operational Picture (COP) for multi-national operations, thereby reducing fratricide and maximizing lethality.

Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing / Navigation Warfare (A-PNT/NAVWAR) efforts address growing threats to PNT by developing capabilities to maintain overmatch in contested environments. The program supports the All-Domain Sensing Cross Functional Team (ADS CFT) and provides situational awareness of the NAVWAR environment. This ensures the Army can synchronize kinetic and non-kinetic fires while denying adversary use of PNT information.

Space and High Altitude Models, Simulations, and Operations Support provides the computational and analytical resources necessary for system acquisition decisions and concept of operations (CONOPS) development. Tools such as the Extended Air Defense Simulation (EADSIM) and the Space Wargaming Analysis Tool (SWAT) enable the integration of SHA domains into Army operations. These tools support the design and implementation of initiatives like Golden Dome for America.

The FY 2026 budget also includes significant new investments, such as SPECTRE Acceleration to expedite the initial operational capability of distributed aperture technologies, and classified efforts to advance Army space and missile defense missions. Congressional adds have supported projects like the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Autonomous Cyber Intrusion Defender (AACID), Multi-Function Multi-Mission Payload Development, and distributed aperture adjuncts for multi-domain operations. These initiatives aim to ensure the Army maintains technological superiority and operational effectiveness in the evolving space and high-altitude domains.