Space Access, Mobility & Logistics (SAML)

Point-to-Point Delivery (P2D) project builds upon prior S&T work within AFRL's Rocket Cargo Vanguard program, to develop and integrate P2D prototype systems to meet unique military use cases. The project seeks to influence and integrate relevant component technologies and systems from S&T to high-TRL prototypes that demonstrate military-unique applications and early operational capability. The project will also analyze and deliver initial concepts of operation and tactics development recommendations for future operational applications. This project matures and transitions game-changing technology to close space mobility and logistics capability gaps and promotes a strong resilient national space industrial base. The near-term focus of the P2D program is to establish the foundational capability areas through analysis and develop Point-to-Point Delivery (P2D) reference missions. The P2D project seeks to leverage commercially developed technology and integrate systems developed within the Rocket Cargo Vanguard program. P2D will identify and evaluate multiple Point to Point Delivery service and support providers including but not limited to responsive spacelift, precision downmass, ground support equipment, and both facilities and infrastructure upgrades to increase security, capacity, and readiness for emerging needs. The SML program provides a cost-effective investment method to cultivate relevant commercial space systems that have achieved high Technical Readiness Level (TRL) and can be leveraged to meet the needs of DoW components. Activities include Advanced Mission Integration (AMI) analysis, system engineering technology maturation, tactics development required for operational integration, prototyping and test and evaluation required for technology transition to enable effective operational employment. This requirement supports performance of a full financial audit as required by title 10 U.S.C. Chapter 9A, Sec 240-D This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics capabilities. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 1206392SF and 1206398SF.

On-Orbit Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics advances neglected support capabilities in the space domain, ensuring asset availability to the warfighter. The initial thrust for On-Orbit SML is a service architecture ensuring prepared systems can replenish energy, as needed, to maintain operator proficiency and sustained readiness in a contested domain with flexibility to meet the increased challenges of conflict. This capability provides USSPACECOM the requisite supply chain to de-constrain operations currently limited by a fixed fuel budget, enabling movement and maneuver Dynamic Space Operations for critical National Security Space assets. Advancing an on-orbit refueling architecture enables a prepared architecture for subsequent On-Orbit SML lines of effort including mobility, relocation, repair and disposal. Additionally, as refueling requires the application of Rendezvous, Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD) technology, the techniques, tactics and procedures (TTPs) attained through refueling simplify and accelerate subsequent capabilities. In tandem with efforts to qualify and onboard refueling onto a "services contract” for ongoing propellent replenishment missions, On-Orbit SML will maintain connectivity to the burgeoning commercial market to capitalize on industry advancement to qualify and onboard additional on-orbit capabilities as they mature. As an "anchor tenant” this may include providing last-mile development funding for government purpose modifications, demonstrations, landscape assessments and architecture development. Due to client variations in mission, orbit, configuration and security, On-Orbit SML services will not be a "one size fits all” approach and will require an enduring programmatic and systems engineering investment to meet customer requirements.