Defense Research Sciences

The Defense Research Sciences program (PE 0601102SF) is a core element of the Air Force's and Space Force's basic research portfolio, supporting foundational scientific investigations that underpin long-term national security needs. Administered primarily by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), this program funds research conducted within the Department of the Air Force (DAF), including the Air Force Institute of Technology and the United States Air Force Academy, as well as in academia and industry. The program's overarching goal is to advance scientific knowledge in areas critical to the Space Force's five core technical competencies: Space Security, Combat Power Projection, Space Mobility and Logistics, Information Mobility, and Space Domain Awareness. It also aims to build research capacity in academia and cultivate the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pipeline for future workforce needs.

The Space-focused Basic Research line item is the primary component of the Defense Research Sciences program. Its objectives are to foster discoveries in physical and biological sciences that enhance the U.S. Space Force's ability to conduct global space operations. Specific research areas include Space Physics, Astrodynamics, Space Biosciences, and Propulsion and Power. The program seeks to deepen understanding of the solar-terrestrial environment, from the Sun through Earth's magnetosphere and radiation belts to the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, with the goal of improving operational space weather forecasting.

Another major objective is to advance knowledge of the physical processes that affect the motion and control of objects in the Earth/Moon/Sun system, supporting future operations beyond geostationary earth orbits (X-GEO). Within the Space-focused Basic Research line, there is a significant emphasis on life sciences, such as synthetic biology and biologically produced components, to understand and mitigate the impacts of harsh and remote environments on future operations and assets.

The program also explores theories and practical concepts in physical and biological sciences to identify solutions for current and future Space Force mission needs. Foundational research is conducted to enable enhanced maneuver and power capabilities in the space environment, with anticipated impacts on long-term, large-scale military operations in space and other emerging DAF missions, such as those in Antarctica and high-altitude air operations.

The Leveraging International S&T for DAF Advantage line item focuses on fostering international basic research discovery and supporting direct exchanges with key international researchers and communities. The objectives are to identify and leverage international scientific advances relevant to the Department of the Air Force and Space Force. This includes maintaining awareness of foreign scientific developments, exploring foreign investments, and influencing premier scientific leaders on topics of interest. The program also supports international engagements by scientists and high-level DoD delegations, serving as a primary interface to coordinate international science and technology participation among DoD organizations.

All research areas within the Defense Research Sciences program are subject to long-range planning and technical review by both DAF and tri-Service scientific planning groups. Efforts are coordinated through the DoD Science and Technology Executive Committee process to harmonize research activities and eliminate duplication. The program may include necessary civilian pay expenses, facility operation and maintenance, travel, supplies, IT hardware and software, and administrative contractor services to support research execution and delivery. The current request reflects an increase in emphasis on space-focused basic research, driven by expanded exploration in Space Physics, Astrodynamics, Space Biosciences, and Propulsion and Power.

Budget adjustments for FY 2024 through FY 2026 include Congressional directed transfers, SBIR/STTR transfers, and minor changes to Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and align with Executive Order 14222, which implements the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative. The program is categorized under Budget Activity 1, Basic Research, as it is directed toward increasing fundamental knowledge and understanding in fields related to long-term national security needs. The acquisition strategy for this program is not applicable, as it is focused on basic research rather than procurement.