Space Technology

The Space Technology program, part of the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation efforts, aims to advance technological capabilities within the space domain. A primary objective is to enhance space survivability and surveillance by developing technologies that help understand and control the space environment. This includes characterizing and forecasting the battlespace environment to ensure uninterrupted system performance and optimize space-based surveillance operations. The program also focuses on developing technologies that can mitigate or exploit the space environment for both offensive and defensive operations.

Another key area of focus is spacecraft payload technologies. This involves improving materials, components, networking, analysis tools, and subsystem capabilities to enhance spacecraft payload operations. The program aims to develop advanced space data generation and exploitation technologies, including infrared sensors, as well as high-fidelity space simulation models that support research and development for space-based surveillance and asset protection.

Rocket propulsion technology is also a significant component of the program. The goal is to develop rocket propulsion and associated technologies for space access, maneuverability, and strategic systems. Efforts include improving reliability, performance, survivability, affordability, and environmental compatibility of these systems. The program supports the development of next-generation physics-based modeling, simulation, and analysis tools for rapid and agile space access design.

Lastly, the program emphasizes lasers and imaging technology research. This area focuses on advancing ground-based optical space domain awareness techniques and exploring laser applications for ground-to-space communication. It seeks to develop advanced electro-optical technologies that enable real-time space domain awareness and quantum-based optical communications while ensuring satellite security against laser threats.