Space Science and Technology Research and Development

PE 1206310SF: Space Science and Technology Research and Development is a program element within the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation, managed by the United States Space Force (USSF) and executed primarily by the Space Development Agency (SDA). The goal of this program is to develop, demonstrate, and field next-generation space capabilities for joint warfighters, focusing on a proliferated architecture of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This initiative supports the Department of Defense (DoD) Space Vision and National Defense Strategy by enabling low-latency tactical communication, advanced missile tracking, and resilient space-based connectivity for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2).

The primary objective of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) is to provide persistent, resilient capabilities that address emerging multi-domain threats. SDA orchestrates the development and integration of the PWSA, including the Transport Layer a constellation of satellites designed to deliver high-volume, low-latency data transport for the warfighter. The Transport Layer serves as the backbone for JADC2, supporting advanced missile warning, time-critical target custody, and alternative position, navigation, and timing (APNT) capabilities in contested navigation environments. The program uses a spiral development approach, delivering capabilities in two-year tranches, with ongoing research, prototyping, risk reduction, and technology maturation activities.

Tranche 1 (T1) and Tranche 2 (T2) Transport Layer efforts are key components funded in FY 2026, encompassing RDT&E and procurement of prototype satellites and ground systems. Activities include risk reduction, interoperability testing (optical communications, RF, Link 16, Networking and Encryption), mission engineering, integration, and launch preparations. These tranches also support the development of user interface control documents (ICDs), concept of operations (CONOPS), and integration with mission partners. The program funds mission-unique hardware and integration for launches on National Security Space Launch (NSSL) vehicles.

PWSA Futures Program (PFP) and Tranche x Demonstration and Experimentation System (TxDES) focus on experimental and demonstration activities to validate new technologies and concepts for future tranches. These include assembly, integration, and testing of demonstration satellites, development of tactical data links, APNT signals, and advanced optical communications. The HALO acquisition pool enables rapid prototyping and experimentation to support future proliferation of capabilities. Advanced Fire Control efforts provide common ground infrastructure and network design to support fire-control-related space vehicle demonstrations, with ongoing work on projects such as FOO Fighter, Warlock, and Strauss.

Several Congressional Adds supplement the program's objectives. The Defense of Low-Earth Orbit Satellites add supports rapid prototyping and integration of enhanced human-machine interfaces and machine learning models for real-time monitoring and threat detection. The Defense-in-Depth as Mission Assurance Spacecraft Multi-Level Security (DiDaMAS-MLS) add funds research and development of multi-level security solutions for secure data sharing across classification levels, supporting real-time sensor fusion and situational awareness. The Space Sensor Fusion add develops onboard multi-intelligence sensor fusion capabilities to accelerate targeting and improve lethality, while the PWSA Integrated Targeting Solution add aims to synchronize targeting functions with combat operations. The Transport Layer Software Architecture add enhances data management and integration for ground and space systems, and the VHF Payload Satellite Demonstration add funds a six-satellite constellation to demonstrate continuous VHF/UHF communications under various operational conditions.

The acquisition strategy for PE 1206310SF leverages partnerships with DoD research centers, small businesses, non-traditional and large defense contractors, commercial space providers, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Space Systems Command (SSC), Space Operations Command (SpOC), Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM), and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). SDA also serves as a transition partner for technology developers seeking to prototype and experiment on-orbit, fostering growth in the U.S. space industrial base and promoting international collaboration.