Budget Account
3620F - Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Space Force
Budget Activity
08 - Software and digital technology pilot programs
Description
The Space Domain Awareness/Planning/Tasking software program is a key initiative under the Office of the Secretary of Defense's directive to streamline software development. Managed by the Space Force, this program aims to enhance and modernize capabilities in Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2). It provides a collaborative environment designed to improve decision-making by creating relevant views of the space and multi-domain environment. The objectives include rapidly detecting, tracking, and characterizing objects of interest, performing space threat analysis, and enabling efficient data distribution across the Space Surveillance Network.
The program supports several critical components within the National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC), and other Command and Control centers. It employs an agile-based Rapid Delivery Framework with a 90-day Program Increment construct to foster collaboration for planning and delivering C2 capabilities. The system is designed to address evolving threats by providing a common infrastructure that allows for rapid response at operational Deltas within the U.S. Space Force. Additionally, it identifies shared platform solutions to support open frameworks across the enterprise ground portfolio.
In FY 2023, efforts included collaboration through the Cyber Halo Innovation Research Program (CHIRP) to drive innovation in cybersecurity for space-borne assets. This involves partnerships with Space Systems Command, universities, colleges, and industry partners. The program also focuses on maintaining foundational DevSecOps enablers such as Data as a Service and Zero Trust Architecture, which are integral to its agile software development process.
Looking ahead to FY 2025, plans include continuing development of an open architecture that supports both SDA and BMC2 missions. This involves enhancing platform scalability and reliability while integrating commercial, contractor, and government applications through incremental software releases. The procurement aspect will involve acquiring necessary hardware and software to host critical applications at Space Force locations. Sustainment efforts will focus on maintaining existing capabilities while expanding fielding of Platform, Infrastructure, and Data as a Service across operational sites.