Space Programs and Technology

The SPACE PROGRAMS AND TECHNOLOGY program element (PE 0603287E), managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), focuses on advanced technology development in space systems to support current and future military missions. The overarching goal is to reduce costs associated with space systems while introducing revolutionary capabilities that enhance the resilience, agility, and affordability of U.S. space assets. The program aims to transition from reliance on large, costly, and vulnerable satellites to disaggregated, easily replaceable, and agile systems. This approach is intended to strengthen deterrence against adversary attacks and ensure robust access to space. Beginning in FY 2026, efforts under this program element will be transferred to PE 0603468E, Advanced Complex Systems.

Otter is a key initiative within this program, dedicated to developing and demonstrating air-breathing propulsion technologies for operations in very low Earth orbital domains. These technologies are intended to extend mission duration and improve maneuverability for space vehicles operating in regions currently inaccessible with traditional propulsion systems. The program involves the development of new propulsion systems, enhanced ground test capabilities, and advanced analysis tools. Otter's objectives include building a demonstrator satellite and conducting a long-duration spaceflight demonstration, with the U.S. Space Force identified as the primary transition partner.

Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) seeks to advance U.S. capabilities in cislunar space by developing and demonstrating a High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) system. DRACO aims to combine the high thrust of chemical rockets with the efficiency of electric propulsion, achieving significantly greater efficiency than chemical systems. This technology will enable agile maneuverability and flexible mission planning in cislunar space, supporting U.S. leadership in this strategic domain. The program's milestones include reactor cold-flow tests, fabrication of HALEU fuel assemblies, subsystem design reviews, and assembly of the demonstration spacecraft, with transition plans involving NASA.

Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) is designed to establish robotic servicing capabilities for satellites in geosynchronous orbit (GEO), which is critical for both national security and commercial operations. The program focuses on developing highly automated and remotely operated robotic systems capable of performing a variety of servicing tasks. Key challenges addressed include the design of robotic tools, efficient orbital maneuvering, automation of spacecraft operations, and coordinated control infrastructure. DARPA collaborates with commercial partners and leverages the Consortium for Execution of Rendezvous and Servicing (CONFERS) to develop consensus-based standards for safe on-orbit servicing.

Advanced Space Technology Concepts encompasses studies to evaluate emerging technologies and concepts that could significantly improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and resilience of space operations. The objectives include assessing the military utility of new technologies, analyzing emerging threats, and exploring countermeasures. Areas of focus include artificial intelligence for constellation operations, robust architectures for navigation and timing, novel space domain awareness approaches, integration of commercial capabilities, and on-orbit software environments. These studies inform future program directions and help refocus ongoing efforts.

Blackjack was a demonstration program aimed at showcasing the potential of proliferated small satellite constellations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The program demonstrated capabilities such as persistent surveillance, target identification and tracking, tactical communications, and architectural resilience through massive proliferation. Blackjack leveraged commercial broadband internet constellations to provide military utility, focusing on low-cost, low-power sensor payloads, autonomous command and control algorithms, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Transition partners for Blackjack include the U.S. Space Force, Air Force, and Space Development Agency.