Service Support to SPACECOM Activities

The Service Support to SP ACECOM Activities program element (PE 1202140F) within the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget is designed to advance operational systems development in support of U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) activities. The primary objectives of this program are to enhance the Department of Defense's (DoD) ability to integrate space-based effects into joint campaign analysis, improve modeling and simulation (M&S) tools, and ensure resilient positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities through Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) initiatives. Funding for this program element is distributed across two main projects: the Joint NAVWAR Center (JNWC) Space Activities and Space Analysis and Application Development.

The Joint NAVWAR Center (JNWC) Space Activities focuses on research, development, testing, and evaluation of NAVWAR options to support DoD-wide PNT superiority. The JNWC's mission is to create and maintain NAVWAR knowledge, advocate for requirements and capabilities supporting NAVWAR operations, and provide contingency and operational support to Combatant Commands (CCMDs) for NAVWAR and resilient PNT planning. NAVWAR involves both defensive and offensive actions to assure and deny PNT information through coordinated use of space, cyberspace, and electronic warfare operations.

A key component of JNWC's work is the execution of PNT Operational Field Assessments (POFAs), which evaluate both friendly and adversary PNT-related capabilities, limitations, and vulnerabilities. These assessments are categorized into GYPSY POFAs, which are linked to major joint exercises; FORTUNE POFAs, which are associated with service-specific exercises; and PRISM POFAs, which cover other operations, actions, and activities, including rapid innovation assessments. The results of these assessments inform both materiel and non-materiel solutions, acquisition decisions, identification of capability and intelligence gaps, and development of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to mitigate NAVWAR threats.

The JNWC also conducts a biennial assessment of the department-wide PNT posture in accordance with DoDI 4650.08. This ongoing evaluation ensures that the DoD maintains a comprehensive understanding of its PNT capabilities and vulnerabilities, enabling informed decisions about future investments and operational strategies. Civilian pay expenses required to manage and execute these activities may be included in this program element, supplementing other related program elements as needed.

Space Analysis and Application Development is dedicated to improving the integration of space-based effects into the DoD's Model of Record' for joint campaign analysis. The program addresses the inadequacy of current M&S tools in representing the contributions of U.S. space capabilities to multi-domain operations and in accurately portraying current and future space threats. By developing, modifying, verifying, and validating new models for space mission areas, and updating existing models to account for emerging capabilities, this project supports more accurate and comprehensive campaign-level analysis.

Specific efforts under Space Analysis and Application Development include developing software and tools to model contested space environments, creating a space playbook to define counter-space threats, and updating mission and campaign-level M&S to inform senior leaders' decisions on innovation, space investments, rapid acquisition, operational courses of action, risk, and planning. These enhancements enable the DoD to quantify the operational impacts of adversary space actions and make better-informed decisions regarding space doctrine, resource allocation, and capability development.

Both projects within PE 1202140F utilize competitive acquisition strategies to maximize value to the government, with contracts awarded to a mix of contractors, universities, government facilities, federally funded research and development centers, and laboratories. Beginning in FY 2025, this program element is scheduled to be consolidated under PE 1206415F for unified USSPACECOM RDT&E activities, reflecting an ongoing effort to streamline and integrate space-related research and development across the Department of Defense.