Space Control Technology

The Space Control Technology program, funded under Program Element (PE) 1206438SF, is a United States Space Force initiative focused on advancing research, development, testing, and prototyping of technologies to ensure the security, resilience, and superiority of U.S. space operations. Managed by the Space Systems Command (SSC), this program supports both Defensive Counterspace (DCS) and Offensive Counterspace (OCS) capabilities, as well as Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and rapid reaction solutions for urgent operational needs. The objective is to provide the warfighter with effective tools and tactics to protect U.S. space assets, counter adversary threats, and maintain freedom of action in the space domain.

The Technology Insertion Planning and Analysis (Project 642611) line item is a core component of Space Control Technology, focusing on systems engineering, technology planning, and the integration of new capabilities into operational systems. This project develops and prototypes advanced technologies for both offensive and defensive space operations, including threat warning payloads for monitoring and characterizing objects and events in space. A significant objective is to support rapid reaction capabilities through the Rapid Reaction Branch (RRB), which addresses urgent operational needs from Combatant Commands by quickly developing, testing, and fielding new solutions. The RRB leverages remote development sites across multiple geographic commands to enable rapid prototyping and integration of emerging technologies.

Within Technology Insertion Planning and Analysis, the Integration and Technology Futures subproject is responsible for foundational architecture development, ensuring that new space control technologies are interoperable and compatible with existing systems. This includes conducting modeling, simulation, and systems engineering to support the integration of DCS, OCS, SDA, and command and control (C2) capabilities. The project also supports operator training, tactics development, and validation of digital engineering models. The goal is to link individual space defense programs into a cohesive system of systems for the National Security Space Enterprise (NSSE).

A notable Congressional add within this program is the In-orbit Electric Propulsion initiative, which collaborates with NASA Glenn Research Center to develop and test a higher thrust-to-power derivative of the Evolutionary Xenon Thruster - Commercial (NEXT-C) system. The objective is to create dual-use electric propulsion technology for both commercial and military satellites, enhancing maneuverability and operational flexibility in orbit. The project focuses on developing key components, such as the electric propulsion device and a higher power processing unit, to support future space control missions.

The Joint Space Integration Technology (Project 646438) line item is designed to address capability gaps for Combatant Commanders by developing joint, multi-domain software and modeling solutions. This project leverages knowledge of the space environment and its effects on weapon systems to prototype, test, and field decision aids and visualization tools that enhance mission planning and execution across air, maritime, and space domains. The primary effort under this line is the Military Application of the Space Environment (MASE) project, which integrates space environment science and technology advancements to provide operational risk assessment tools and improve campaign effectiveness for joint forces.

The Military Application of the Space Environment (MASE) project specifically aims to develop, validate, and deploy software that models regional ionospheric and signal propagation effects, providing commanders with tailored visualizations and decision aids. These tools are intended to improve operational planning and tactical execution by forecasting space domain impacts on weapon systems. MASE also supports the integration of traditional and nontraditional data sources, rapid development of new system features in response to evolving threats, and the expansion of accessibility to secure networks. The project includes ongoing software releases, training, and validation through exercises and war games to ensure operational relevance.