Major T&E Investment - Space

The Major T&E Investment Space program, managed by the United States Space Force (USSF) under the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Management Support appropriation, is designed to advance the Department of Defense's (DoD) space test and evaluation (T&E) enterprise. The primary objectives of this program are to fund enterprise-level, threat-relevant, and fully integrated developmental and operational space T&E activities. It also aims to develop a professional space T&E workforce and support the organization, acquisition, and operation of the National Space Test and Training Complex (NSTTC). These efforts are critical for assessing the performance and survivability of DoD space systems, tactics, and technologies in contested environments, ensuring readiness and superiority in space operations.

Space Systems Operational Test & Eval is a key line item within the Major T&E Investment Space program. Its goal is to support Congressionally mandated Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) for major defense acquisition programs (MDAPs), as required by Title 10 USC 2399. This includes planning, executing, and reporting on operational test and evaluation (OT&E) for new systems, major modifications, and other directed efforts. The program funds the USSF Operational Test Agency's participation in integrated test and evaluation (IT&E), multi-service operational test and evaluation (MOT&E), and follow-on operational test and evaluation (FOT&E). Specific objectives include answering Critical Operational Issues (COIs), determining operational effectiveness and suitability, and resolving mission capability for systems such as Advanced Tracking Launch Analysis System, Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability, Enhanced Polar System, Evolved Strategic SATCOM, GPS IIIF, and others.

For FY 2025 and FY 2026, Space Systems Operational Test & Eval will continue to conduct IOT&E, FOT&E, MOT&E, and cyber assessments for a range of space systems. The program will address heightened requirements for survivability testing, integrated system end-to-end evaluations, tactics and training system testing, and increased cyber testing rigor. These activities are coordinated with program offices based on test readiness and are essential for supporting acquisition decisions, fielding, and declaration of Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for USSF programs. The increase in FY 2026 funding reflects expanded test program requirements and additional management needs at both the Delta and Headquarters levels.

Professional Test Workforce focuses on developing the organizations, training, and activities necessary to cultivate a highly skilled space T&E workforce. This includes funding for the Space Test Course (STC) at the United States Air Force Test Pilot School, which provides graduate-level education for Guardians specializing in space T&E. The program's objectives are to produce personnel with expertise in survivability testing, procedure validation, full-envelope characterization, and system performance validation.

Efforts in FY 2025 and FY 2026 include continuing the development of the degree-granting STC, acquiring accreditation, and managing training opportunities in conjunction with the USSF Chief Human Capital Officer. In FY 2026, Professional Test Workforce funding will support ongoing production of qualified Guardians and the pursuit of accreditation for the STC. The program is designed to ensure that the USSF maintains a robust pipeline of professionals capable of executing complex T&E activities for current and future space systems. The slight decrease in funding for FY 2026 is attributed to reductions in contracts for Advisory Assistance Services, aligning with government efficiency initiatives.

National Space Test and Training Complex (NSTTC) is dedicated to providing space warfighters with interconnected, scalable, high-fidelity, and distributed physical and digital ranges for full-spectrum test and training. The NSTTC supports developmental and operational test, training, exercises, wargames, and tactics development for space systems. Key objectives include delivering cyber, electromagnetic spectrum, and orbital ranges; developing digital test and training environments; and providing infrastructure for data management, connectivity, and cybersecurity.

For FY 2025 and FY 2026, NSTTC will continue investments in cyber, electromagnetic, and orbital ranges, as well as foundational infrastructure development and modernization. The program will advance the digital High-End Advanced Test, Training, and Tactics Development platform, integrate threat models, and deliver digital capabilities for joint simulation environments. NSTTC's infrastructure will support secure data management and connectivity across Space Force, Joint, and Government environments. The decrease in FY 2026 funding reflects planned development activities and efficiencies in accordance with Executive Order 14222. NSTTC is essential for ensuring USSF and joint forces have the test and training environments needed to maintain space superiority.