Search Defense Budget

Space Situation Awareness Operations

Category: RDT&E • Line Item: 1203940SF • FY26 Budget Request: $182.4M

Overview

Budget Account
3620F - Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Space Force
Budget Activity
07 - Operational system development
Previous Year
Description

Space Situation Awareness Operations (PE 1203940SF) is a U.S. Space Force program element focused on developing, upgrading, operationalizing, and maintaining the sensor and data integration capabilities necessary for Space Domain Awareness (SDA). The overarching goal is to provide an integrated, end-to-end SDA architecture that supports national security space operations on tactical timelines. This program is part of Budget Activity 7, Operational Systems Development, which covers upgrades to fielded systems and those approved for full-rate production. Activities funded under this element include surveillance of objects in earth orbit and beyond, satellite tracking, space object identification and cataloging, attack warning, treaty monitoring, and technical intelligence gathering.

Space Data Fusion is a key project within this program element, encompassing the Global Sensor Watch initiative. This effort aims to develop and upgrade SDA data collection and exploitation capabilities, leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to modernize operational SDA. The project integrates and upgrades ground and space-based sensors across multiple sites to enable resilient, automated cross-sensor tip-and-cue capabilities. It also includes partnerships for targeted sensor upgrades and dynamic tasking integration, supporting rapid prototyping, operational acceptance testing, and integration with allied and commercial partners to enhance system resiliency and situational awareness.

Unified Data Library supports the integration, exploitation, and delivery of SDA data sources for command and control and battle management. It serves as the central repository for SDA data, enabling superior analytics and data sharing across the Space Force and allied partners. Objectives include upgrading the platform architecture to improve data ingestion, storage, and exposure, onboarding new data sets and sensors, expanding cybersecurity measures, and implementing cross-domain solutions. The Unified Data Library facilitates secure, bi-directional data sharing with coalition partners and supports the analysis of space warfighting data, with a focus on maintaining digital superiority and operational efficiency.

Joint Commercial Operations was established as a distinct project to enhance transparency and focus on commercial SDA data acquisitions beyond the Protect & Defend mission. The JCO cell provides persistent and rapid SDA coverage, supporting decision-making and reducing reaction time for space operations. Plans include expanding commercial data acquisition, improving system architecture and cybersecurity, migrating to cloud computing, and leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and agile software development. JCO enables allied and partner contributions to global operations and supports rapid response to emerging threats through experimentation, prototyping, and integration of commercial capabilities.

Space Domain Awareness Mesh Network is a Middle Tier Acquisition rapid fielding program that deploys a resilient, distributed mesh network for the Space Surveillance Network and associated nodes. This effort revolutionizes traditional sensor-to-command and control data flows by enabling lateral data sharing between sensors, command centers, and the Unified Data Library. Objectives include expanding integration to additional sites, modernizing legacy sensor protocols, incorporating new network nodes, and continuously developing new data capabilities to support modern analytics. The acquisition strategy leverages existing contract vehicles and partnerships to rapidly prototype and field integrated sensors and capabilities.

SF Weather Services Research funds the development, acquisition, sustainment, and modernization of Space Force Weather Services capabilities. The program supports timely, accurate, and resilient environmental information for global battlespace situational awareness across multiple military branches and agencies. Efforts focus on upgrading the Space Weather Analysis and Forecast System, integrating advanced forecasting models, and enhancing the ability to predict environmental impacts on Department of Defense satellites and communications. The program also emphasizes interoperability with allied and commercial partners, digital transformation, cloud migration, and the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for improved forecasting and operational efficiency.

Budget Trend

Space Situation Awareness Operations Research Development, Test & Evaluation Programs (1203940SF) budget history and request


Interactive stacked bar chart for exploring the Space Situation Awareness Operations budget
Interactive line chart for exploring the Space Situation Awareness Operations budget
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Enacted Requested
$0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $103,819,000 $103,526,000 $157,536,000 $259,417,000 $115,660,000 $182,377,000
The DoD did not provide line item forecasts in its FY26 budget request, see the prior year budget for any forecasted years
Download

FY2026 Defense Budget Detail

Loading
Loading
FY2026 Budget Released: 06/30/25