Space Access, Mobility & Logistics (SAML)

The Space Access, Mobility & Logistics (SAML) program, now formally titled Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SML), is a Department of the Air Force (DAF) initiative under the Space Force, funded through the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation. Its primary goal is to identify and close capability gaps in space mobility and logistics, focusing on integrating and employing on-orbit servicing and mobility for both prepared and unprepared spacecraft. The program is structured into two main mission areas: On-Orbit Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (OOSML) and Point to Point Delivery (P2D), each with distinct objectives and lines of effort.

On-Orbit Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (OOSML) aims to advance neglected support capabilities in the space domain, ensuring sustained asset availability for warfighters. The initial focus is on developing an on-orbit refueling architecture, which is critical for enabling dynamic space operations and sustained maneuverability of National Security Space assets. This includes demonstrating autonomous Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD) technologies, qualifying commercial vendors for refueling services, and establishing secure operational procedures. The program also supports additional capabilities such as on-orbit repair, upgrading, assembling, manufacturing, orbit repositioning, and disposal, all of which rely on foundational RPOD and refueling technologies.

In FY 2025, OOSML plans to leverage commercial servicing technologies by integrating modified commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) systems and services into operational capabilities. Investments will support demonstration and operationalization of near-term commercial services, qualifying providers for National Security Space operations, and ongoing assessments of the commercial landscape. The program will also conduct studies, technical analyses, experimentation, risk reduction, and prototyping to enhance system resiliency and situational awareness in a contested space domain. A Congressional add in FY 2025 provides additional funding for small autonomous on-orbit servicing, accelerating development and deployment of enabling technologies for dynamic space operations.

Point to Point Delivery (P2D) builds upon prior science and technology work within the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Rocket Cargo Vanguard program. The P2D project seeks to develop and integrate prototype systems for military-unique applications, such as rapid orbital supply prepositioning, operational downmass, and responsive sub-orbital and orbital delivery operations. The near-term objective is to conduct Advanced Integrated Mission Studies (AIMS) to analyze military utility, technical feasibility, and maturation paths for P2D reference missions, focusing on leveraging commercially developed technologies and integrating them with Rocket Cargo Vanguard advancements.

P2D activities in FY 2025 and FY 2026 include detailed engineering design for airdrop payload delivery, building on AFRL's previous analyses and wind tunnel testing. The program will evaluate service providers for responsive spacelift, precision downmass, ground support equipment, and infrastructure upgrades to increase security, capacity, and readiness. FY 2026 funding supports further AIMS, development of logistics payload delivery systems (PDS), integration standards, and ground support requirements for emerging P2D missions. The program also funds Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) efforts and digital engineering studies to enhance ground segment integration and spaceport planning.

Both OOSML and P2D are designed to rapidly address capability gaps with emergent technologies, accelerate technical maturation, and transition innovations into operational capabilities. The SML program emphasizes targeted investment in the space industrial base, supporting U.S. National Security objectives under Great Power Competition. Activities include system engineering, technology maturation, tactics development, prototyping, and test and evaluation, all aimed at transitioning effective operational employment to service acquisitions or space programs of record.