Space Rapid Capabilities Office

The Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO) is a program element within the Department of the Air Force budget, specifically under the Space Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation. The primary goal of the Space RCO is to expedite the development and fielding of operationally focused space capabilities to address immediate and near-term needs as identified by the Space RCO Board of Directors (BoD). The office operates with a streamlined chain of command, integrates warfighter input early in the process, and leverages small, agile teams to rapidly augment, reconstitute, or protect critical space assets. The overarching objective is to enhance the United States' ability to maintain continuity of operations and exploit technological innovations in the contested space domain.

Space RCO Board of Directors (BoD) Projects, Studies, and Analysis are central to the program's mission. These efforts involve executing rapid acquisition projects, conducting technical analyses, and supporting systems engineering to address emergent capability requirements. The BoD validates requirements, and approved projects are executed by the Space RCO. Activities include modeling, simulation, experimentation, prototyping, and alternative concept assessments. Funding also supports civilian pay and program office operations, ensuring the office can respond quickly to evolving threats and operational needs in space.

Space RCO Solar Power is a research initiative developed in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Its objective is to demonstrate and mature space-based solar power technologies that can deliver uninterrupted, agile energy to expeditionary forces in remote or unimproved areas. Plans for FY 2025 include continuing space flight demonstrations of solar-to-radio frequency (RF) payloads, validating thermal integration for on-orbit demonstration, and developing operational prototypes based on previous demonstration results. This project is transitioning out of the Space RCO budget line after FY 2025, with future funding moving to AFRL's Space Advanced Technology Development/Demonstration program.

Rapid Resilient Command and Control (R2C2) efforts are a significant focus within the FY 2025 budget, supporting the Combined Program Office (CPO) to develop extensible, scalable, and modular ground segment solutions for satellite operations. The R2C2 program aims to enhance command and control (C2) services in cloud environments, refine cybersecurity and cryptographic standards, and mature antenna network services for protect and defend missions. The program also supports integration and testing with mission partners, development of automation technologies, and sustainment of cloud infrastructure and platform/antenna services. Starting in FY 2026, R2C2 funding will transfer to a dedicated program element to consolidate functions and improve transparency.

Congressional Adds for FY 2024 and FY 2025 include targeted investments such as digital beamforming ground-based command and control and deployable Satellite Control Network (SCN) ground-based system fielding. The digital beamforming project focuses on developing and testing phased array antenna technologies to enhance satellite communications, while the deployable SCN initiative aims to field test assets for the Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource program. These efforts are intended to accelerate the deployment of advanced ground-based command and control capabilities and improve the resiliency and flexibility of space operations.

Systems Engineering and Integration and Management Services are funded to provide technical oversight, program management, and support for all Space RCO activities. These functions ensure that projects are executed efficiently, meet technical requirements, and are aligned with broader Department of Defense and Air Force acquisition strategies. The Space RCO leverages various contract mechanisms, including Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contracts, Other Transaction Agreements, and partnerships with federally funded research and development centers, to expedite procurement and operationalize new capabilities.