SPACE PROGRAMS AND TECHNOLOGY
The efforts described in this Program Element (PE) address the Advanced Technology Development associated with the Space Programs and Technology Program that addresses high payoff opportunities to dramatically reduce costs associated with advanced space systems and provides revolutionary new system capabilities for satisfying current and projected military missions. A space force structure that is robust and resilient to attack represents a stabilizing deterrent against adversary attacks on space assets. This program element will examine concepts and architectures that move the U.S. away from a dependence on monolithic, ultra-capable, vulnerable, and unsustainably costly assets; replacing them with disaggregated assets that are agile, affordable, and easily replaced. Ready access to space requires the delivery of capabilities, replenishment of supplies into orbit, and rapid manufacturing of affordable space capabilities. In addition, developing space access and spacecraft servicing technologies will lead to reduced ownership costs of space systems and new opportunities for introducing technologies for the exploitation of space. Systems development is also required to increase the interactivity and functionality of space systems, space-derived information, and services with terrestrial users. Studies under this program element include technologies and systems that will enable satellites and microsatellites to operate more effectively by increasing maneuverability, survivability, and situational awareness, and precision control of multi-payload systems. Studies will actively seek to take advantage of new commercial developments which may enable both rapid constitution/reconstitution of assets, and agility/functionality not previously available for military systems. Beginning in FY 2026, efforts in this PE will be funded in PE 0603468E, Advanced Complex Systems.
FY2025 accomplishments - Continued development of analysis tools to support system design. - Refined measurement instrumentation of test facilities to support component testing. - Conducted initial flight software build and testing. - Conducted initial ground software build and testing. - Continued development and maturation of propulsion system designs. - Conducted initial testing of air harvesting inlets. - Conducted qualification of the propulsion system.
FY2025 accomplishments - Completed assessment of technical and programmatic risks - Completed Interagency Nuclear Safety Review Board (INSRB) Review Group (IRG) Mission Safety Analysis Report (MSAR). - Completed annual review of Integrated Master Schedule, Master Test Plan, System Engineering Management Plan (SEMP), and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). - Completed fabrication of Engineering Develop Unit (EDU) reactor test article and delivered to NASA Marshall Space Flight Center test facility. - Coordinated transfer/disposition of High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel material to the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). - Transitioned DRACO technology to NASA. - Terminated program.
FY2025 accomplishments - Supported combined testing of integrated robotic payload and spacecraft bus. - Developed partner training materials and performed detailed demonstration planning.
FY2025 accomplishments - Explored updated and new architectures for space vehicle concepts. - Investigated novel approaches to defend joint forces operating in terrestrial environments.