Tactically Responsive Space

The Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) program, managed by the United States Space Force under Program Element 1206862SF, is designed to rapidly integrate and deploy space-based capabilities in response to urgent Combatant Commander (CCMD) needs. The primary objective of TacRS is to enable the Space Force to project power and provide space domain awareness (SDA) on tactically relevant timelines, particularly in contested or dynamic operational environments. The program is funded through the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation, specifically within Budget Activity 4: Advanced Component Development & Prototypes (ACD&P). This reflects its focus on maturing and demonstrating new technologies and operational concepts.

Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) Missions are the core of this line item, with goals centered on developing and demonstrating the ability to rapidly launch, maneuver, and operate satellites in response to emerging threats or intelligence requirements. In FY 2026, TacRS funding will support the finalization of early operational SDA capabilities, including rapid call-up, launch, and operations of space vehicles. The program will also develop maneuverable, prepositioned SDA missions and support follow-on operational missions that require both rapid launch and in-orbit maneuverability. These efforts are intended to ensure that the Space Force can respond within 24 hours to CCMD taskings, conduct rendezvous and proximity operations, and inspect or characterize objects in space on operationally relevant timelines.

A significant focus of the TacRS program is the VICTUS series of missions, which serve as technology demonstrators and operational pathfinders. The VICTUS HAZE missions are planned for launch readiness in FY 2025, building on investments and lessons learned from previous missions such as VICTUS NOX and VICTUS SOL. The FY 2026 budget supports the development, readiness, launch, and operations for VICTUS HAZE, VICTUS SOL, and future missions like VICTUS SURGO and VICTUS SALO, which will complete integration and testing in the latter half of FY 2026. Each VICTUS mission incrementally advances the ability to rapidly launch and operate satellites, match orbital planes, and conduct on-orbit operations in response to real-time needs.

Range support and ground infrastructure development are also key objectives within this budget line. TacRS Range efforts provide the necessary equipment, software, procedures, and personnel to enable responsive launch capabilities for all VICTUS-class missions. This includes acquisition planning, integration, and testing to ensure that launch and ground operations can be executed quickly and reliably. The program also supports the evolution of new concepts and capabilities by leveraging commercial launch and satellite providers, U.S. government partnerships, and international collaboration to maximize flexibility and resilience.

The acquisition strategy for TacRS emphasizes the use of commercial, fixed-price contracts to take advantage of rapid technological advancements and reduced production timelines in the commercial sector. By working with multiple commercial satellite vendors and small start-up businesses, the Space Force aims to achieve shorter build timelines for space vehicles, significantly reducing costs compared to traditional satellite procurements. The program also utilizes open competitive launch service contracts, ground operations contracts, Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contracts, and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements to provide end-to-end responsive space capabilities.

Congressional Adds and Mandated Funding have played a notable role in advancing TacRS objectives. Congressional funding in FY 2024 and FY 2025 supported the acquisition of space vehicles for rendezvous and proximity operations, prepositioned response satellites, and commercial development activities such as augmented maneuvering for satellites. Additional funding in FY 2026, including mandatory funds under Section 20009 (INDOPACOM Capabilities), will further expand TacRS space and launch vehicle capabilities, supporting U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) requirements for resilient space warfighting.