Nuclear Delivery Systems Tech Exploration

Nuclear Delivery Systems Technology Exploration is a program element within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), focused on advancing applied research in nuclear delivery systems. The primary goal of this program is to develop foundational computational tools and technologies that support nuclear forensics, strategic surveillance, and the prediction of environmental effects on future nuclear re-entry systems. These efforts are designed to strengthen national strategic and nuclear deterrence operations by providing the technical basis for analyzing both domestic and foreign nuclear activities, including low-yield or evasive underground nuclear tests.

The program's objectives include the development and validation of multi-physics algorithms capable of simulating untested environmental scenarios relevant to nuclear re-entry systems. This work directly supports the Science & Technology for Nuclear Re-entry Systems program, ensuring that the Air Force maintains the scientific and technical expertise necessary to address emerging threats in contested nuclear environments. By modernizing computational infrastructure and reestablishing specialized expertise, the program aims to enhance the nation's ability to respond to current and future challenges in nuclear deterrence.

A significant portion of the budget is allocated to research activities under Technology Exploration. These include the continued development of modeling and simulation capabilities for nuclear re-entry systems, the advancement of machine learning algorithms for seismic and non-seismic event detection, and the refinement of statistical methods for uncertainty quantification in yield estimation. The program also supports the extension of novel algorithms for multi-domain moving target indicator detection and tracking, contributing to improved monitoring and characterization of nuclear events.

Additional research efforts involve the integration of three-dimensional source simulations, linear wave propagation models, and earth structure models to enhance the discrimination and characterization of seismic events. Aerothermal model validation and improvements are also a key focus, with the development of comprehensive physics-based modeling suites to predict aerodynamic flow fields and material characteristics. The program further supports the enhancement of plasma chemistry modeling through machine learning and computational chemistry, as well as the development of tools for predicting physics-based effects on hypersonic vehicle leading-edge shape changes.

The program includes weather effects testing on re-entry vehicles to validate existing models and generate new algorithms for predicting vehicle responses to extreme atmospheric conditions. It also analyzes strategic command, control, and communications to identify multi-domain technologies of interest, and develops test and integration plans for hypersonic re-entry flight tests with government payloads. Technology maturation efforts for future flight tests include the development of hypersonic payloads such as inertial sensors, millimeter-wave communications, and advanced heatshield materials.

In terms of workforce, the program supports the civilian science and engineering mission of the Department of the Air Force, with funding for direct Full-Time Equivalent civilian positions. Management of workforce strength and compensation is governed by statutory language under 10 USC 4091, which provides authorities for positions at Science & Technology reinvention laboratories. The program may also include necessary expenses for operation and maintenance activities to ensure effective execution and delivery of science and technology capabilities.

The increase in funding is primarily due to the transfer of nuclear system technology efforts from the Aerospace Vehicle Technologies program, enhancing transparency and traceability within the nuclear Science & Technology portfolio. This realignment reflects the Air Force's commitment to efficient resource management and aligns with broader government efficiency initiatives.