Space Test Program (STP)

The Space Test Program (STP), managed by the United States Space Force under Program Element (PE) 1206864SF, serves as the Department of Defense's (DoD) primary gateway for space experimentation and technology maturation. The overarching goal of STP is to provide rapid, cost-effective access to space for testing and evaluating emerging technologies, thereby accelerating their transition into operational capabilities for national defense.

Through annual reviews conducted by the DoD Space Experiments Review Board (SERB), STP prioritizes space experiment proposals that offer direct warfighter relevance and strategic value. This process ensures that investments align with the evolving needs of the military and broader national security objectives.

STP's objectives include raising Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) for new systems, validating research in the demanding space environment, and maturing promising technologies for future operational use. The program also fosters cross-service and cross-agency collaboration, minimizing redundancy and maximizing taxpayer value by partnering with government, commercial, and international entities. STP's role as the single manager for all DoD payloads on the International Space Station (ISS) underscores its importance in coordinating space research and experimentation across the defense community.

Payload integration is a core component of STP's mission, involving the integration of experimental payloads onto a variety of spaceflight missions, including free-flyer spacecraft, hosted payloads, and ISS-based experiments. In FY 2025 and FY 2026, STP will manage the integration and launch preparations for missions such as STP-S29A, STP-H11, STP-S30, and K2 Gravitas. The program also supports next-generation technologies, such as refuellable propulsion units and space-based power transmittal systems, and continues to leverage commercial opportunities through vehicles like the STEP 2.0 contract. Planning for future transitions from ISS to commercial space stations is underway, ensuring continuity and adaptability in the DoD's space research portfolio.

Launch vehicle and launch services funding enables the procurement of launch vehicles, launch services, and related support necessary for deploying DoD research payloads into orbit. STP ensures that all launches meet stringent Do No Harm certification standards, safeguarding space assets from debris and interference. In FY 2025, the program will support launches such as STP-H10 to the ISS and the Navigation Technology Satellite (NTS)-3 on USSF-106, while also preparing for commercial rideshare opportunities to maximize responsiveness and mission value. FY 2026 will see continued support for spaceflight worthiness certification, execution of STP-S29A, STP-S29B, and other small and medium launch initiatives, as well as technical analysis for future commercial rideshare launches.

On-orbit satellite operations funding supports the first-year operations and mission support for STP-sponsored experiments once they are deployed in space. This includes ongoing operations for ISS payloads, DoD SERB-approved experiments, and free-flying missions such as AFRL's Tracker Prime and Space Systems Command's EPIC ATHENA. In FY 2026, STP will continue operations for NTS-3, STP-H10, STPSat-7, STP-S29A, and initiate on-orbit operations for new missions like K2 Gravitas and STP-5 payloads, ensuring that experimental data is collected and analyzed to inform future technology development.

STP's acquisition strategy is designed to maximize efficiency and innovation by leveraging competitive contracting, strategic partnerships, and commercial investment. The program utilizes contracts such as NASA's REMIS for ISS access and STEP 2.0 for commercial host spacecraft acquisition, while also exploring innovative funding mechanisms like AFWERX's STRATFI. Collaboration with entities such as the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) helps avoid duplication of effort and accelerates technology development. This approach ensures that STP remains agile and effective in delivering advanced space capabilities to the DoD.

Budget adjustments for FY 2026 reflect ongoing efforts to promote government efficiency and cost savings, including reductions in advisory and assistance services in alignment with Executive Order 14222. The program's funding supports technical integration and launch activities, program office support, studies, technical analysis, and prototyping, all of which are essential for maintaining U.S. technological superiority in the contested space domain. STP continues to play a vital role in advancing the nation's defense posture and ensuring the readiness of U.S. space forces.