U.S. Space Command Research and Development Support

The U.S. Space Command Research and Development Support program (PE 1206415F) is a Department of the Air Force initiative focused on advancing space-based military capabilities through research, development, testing, and rapid prototyping. The program's goals are to integrate existing space assets from the Services and Intelligence Community with innovations from national laboratories and industry, thereby enhancing the United States' military advantage in space. This effort supports the National Space Policy by promoting responsible behavior, strengthening deterrence, and assuring allies and partners of the U.S. commitment to the safety, stability, and sustainability of space activities.

Classified Space Threat-Based Studies and Analysis is a key line item within this program. Its objective is to leverage technical expertise from Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), national and service laboratories, and agency labs to address USSPACECOM's most challenging space-domain problems. These studies provide analytical, engineering, and intelligence support to close severe vulnerabilities and operational gaps within 24 months. The work includes technical reviews, project endorsements, and advocacy for advanced concepts and technologies.

Commercial Capability Platform Integration into USSPACECOM Operations aims to foster collaboration with industry, academia, and non-federal entities to accelerate the development and demonstration of future technical capabilities. This line item provides an environment for commercial partner engagement, threat and information sharing, and supports technology transfer agreements such as Joint Commercial Operations and Commercial Integration Cell partnerships. The program facilitates the spin-in and spin-out of technologies between government and industry, bridging acquisition gaps and enhancing operational support.

Contested Space Modeling for Capabilities, Analysis, and Verification Environment (CAVE) is designed to improve modeling and simulation capabilities for strategic planning, wargaming, experimentation, and requirements analysis. The CAVE environment integrates models of contested and congested space, advances artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, and supports campaign-level analysis of resiliency, survivability, and effectiveness of space systems. This modeling informs senior leadership decisions on space investments, operational concepts, and risk assessments, and supports cost-benefit analyses of space control activities.

Space Operations Application Prototyping and Integration focuses on developing and operationalizing commercial-based capabilities to support USSPACECOM's objectives of protecting and defending space assets and expanding warfighting advantage. This includes integrating international and commercial capabilities, establishing a technology transfer program, and enabling the transition of command-developed software applications into operational use. The program supports technology transition and transfer between academia, laboratories, international partners, and industry, ensuring rapid integration of innovative solutions.

Space Operations Research, Development, and Experimentation conducts short-term classified studies, science and technology demonstrations, experiments, and rapid prototyping to address priority threats. Activities include research and development in propulsion, battle management, C5ISR, electronic warfare, and space superiority. Experiments and demonstrations are conducted to enhance integrated space fires, operational command and control, missile defeat effects, and cyber defense of space systems. This line item supports the rapid design, development, integration, and testing of new capabilities.

PNT Operational Assessments and Lighthouse are specialized efforts within the program. PNT Operational Assessments focus on evaluating threats to Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) capabilities and developing mitigation strategies, including live, simulated, and laboratory assessments. Lighthouse is a classified project aimed at integrating and upgrading sensors for space domain awareness, improving data availability, and enhancing sensor command and control. Lighthouse upgrades legacy infrastructure, incorporates new sensors, and develops management procedures to optimize sensor performance and reduce coverage gaps. These efforts help ensure USSPACECOM maintains technological superiority and operational readiness in a rapidly evolving space environment.