Rocket Systems Launch Program (SPACE)

The Rocket Systems Launch Program (SP ACE) is a Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative managed by the U.S. Space Force under the Air Force budget. Its primary objective is to provide responsive launch vehicle support for Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies, utilizing both commercial launch systems and excess ballistic missile assets. Established in 1972, the program serves as a complement to the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. It offers dedicated spacelift and rideshare services for developmental, demonstration, and small operational space vehicles. The program supports mission planning, payload integration, vehicle acquisition, processing, launch operations, booster storage and disposition, aging surveillance, maintenance, and logistics for DoD responsive space and RDT&E launches.

Project 661023: Rocket System Launch Program (RSLP) focuses on the management and utilization of decommissioned Minuteman and Peacekeeper missile assets. The goals include refurbishment, transportation, handling, storage, aging surveillance, and launch services for these assets, ensuring their safe and effective use in testing and research. RSLP maintains exclusive control over these assets, supporting a variety of suborbital and orbital missions. The program also funds research, development, prototyping, integration, and supplemental reliability flight testing to enhance the reliability of launch vehicles using RSLP motors. This includes updates to systems such as the Modular Mechanical Ordnance Destruct System.

Storage/Refurbishment/Flight Readiness/Demil is a key line item within the RSLP, with objectives centered on the storage, refurbishment, inventory control, and demilitarization/disposal of decommissioned missile flight test assets. In FY 2025 and FY 2026, the program will continue these activities, including research and development support operations as required. Efforts will also be made to investigate and develop shipping throughput capacity to maximize opportunities for motor disposal. Additional support activities include sustainment, replacement, and refurbishment of support equipment, mission support, and special studies.

Aging Surveillance is another critical component, aimed at performing aging surveillance-related activities on stored motors. The program continues to analyze and study potential safety-related issues affecting stored motors, ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of these assets. Program office support and related activities, such as mission support and special studies, are also included. The budget for aging surveillance increases in FY 2026 to accommodate additional demilitarization requirements.

Other Launch Support Services encompasses launch vehicle acquisition, processing, and launch services support, including responsive launch, mission assurance, and reliability of flight operations for RDT&E payloads. The program is designed to rapidly implement system resiliency and situational awareness necessary for operations in contested space domains. Activities may include program office support, technical analysis, experimentation, prototyping, and leveraging commercial and international opportunities. In FY 2026, the focus remains on maintaining these capabilities while capturing cost savings.

Congressional Adds: State Launched Range Services have provided additional funding to improve Spaceports that are commercially licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration and receive support from local or state governments. These improvements enhance the capacity to provide mid-to-low and polar-to-high inclination orbits, supporting national security space programs. The congressional adds in FY 2024 and FY 2025 specifically target the enhancement of launch infrastructure and capabilities at these Spaceports.