Free-Flyer Spacecraft Missions
Space Systems Command is executing the Department of War (DoW) Space Test Program (Project 662617) through the Space Access and the Combat Power Enterprise. As a result, the United States Space Force will advance the Department's space capabilities development through institutional processes, principled public servants; space-minded warfighters; and bold and collaborative problem solvers. This program falls within the Science and Technology (S&T) and Test & Evaluation (T&E) mission area which provides the S&T initiatives, demonstrations, experiments, and studies towards developing next-generation space capabilities. The T&E mission area provides all efforts required to establish and operate the test infrastructure for USSF capabilities. Program interdependencies include: Defense Research Sciences (0601102SF); Major T&E Investments - Space (1206759SF); Small Business Innovation Research (1205502SF); Space Advanced Tech Dev / Demo (1206616SF); Space Innov Intg & Rapid Tech Dev (1203174SF); Space Rapid Capabilities Office (1206857SF); Space Science and Technology (1206310SF); Space Systems Prototype Transition (1206427SF); Space Technology (1206601SF); Space Test and Evaluation (1202051SF); University Research Initiatives (0601103SF). The Department of the Air Force (DAF), as the Department's designated Space Test Program (STP) Executive Agent (EA), provides a critical multi-user space program that is essential for national security. America secures peace through strength, and that strength is built on the unyielding technological edge in space forged by strategic investments in the STP. As the Department of War's (DoW) primary gateway for space experimentation, STP is a direct investment in deterring adversaries and ensuring the nation's space superiority. STP provides the primary spaceflight capability to demonstrate, evaluate, and accelerate risk-reducing and advanced technologies in operational space environments. STP is responsible for mission design, spacecraft acquisition, integration, launch, and on-orbit operations for emerging technologies from the entire DoW research community, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, and other agencies. By centrally financing these critical mission elements, STP offers the most cost-effective way to flight-test new space systems, technologies, and concepts.
Complete STP-H12 integration activities and delivery of payload for pre-launch environmental testing. Begin STP-H13 design and begin integration activities. Complete remanifesting actions and continue STP-5 integration activities. Prepare to begin STPSat-8 integration activities. Continue Oracle-Prime integration activities. Continue…
Read the FY2027 plan →FY2027 planned work Continue to support spaceflight worthiness and "Do No Harm" certification for space experiments as rideshare opportunities. Continue STP-5 medium launch initiative into the National Security Space Launch campaign. Conduct STP-H12 launch campaign in accordance with National Aeronautics & Space Administration Commercial Resupply Program to the International Space Station (ISS). Start planning launch campaign of STPSat-8. Continue planning of STP-S29B launch campaign according to launch service provider's readiness. Plan and complete technical analysis for commercial rideshare launch of DoW Space Experiment Review Board (SERB) experiments and specific international agreement-approved…
FY2026 to FY2027 change FY 2027 decreased by $0.602 million due to maximizing commercial rideshare opportunities and less dedicated launch campaigns, as well as completion of STP-5 mission unique acquisitions.
FY2026 plans — current year Continue to support spaceflight worthiness and "Do No Harm" Certification. Continue STP-5 medium launch initiative, to include purchase of mission unique hardware and services through National Security Space Launch. Plan and complete technical analysis for commercial rideshare launch of DoW SERB experiments and specific international agreement-approved experiments. Complete STPSat-7 (via STP-S29A), STP-30, K2 Gravitas, STP-H10, and STP-H11 launch activities and conduct other launch activities as required.
FY2027 planned work Complete on-orbit operations and any additional objectives for NTS-3, K2 Gravitas, STP-S29A, STP-S30, STPSat-7 and facilitate transition of satellites with useable life to another organization; likely STARCOM for further use as a test and training asset. Complete on-orbit operations for International Space Station (ISS) payloads, such as STP-H11, and DoW SERB payloads as requested. Work with the Tetra-6 program office to support on-orbit operations.
FY2026 to FY2027 change FY 2027 decreased by $0.400 million due to less concurrent on-orbit space experiments, including the cessation of NTS-3 on-orbit operations.
FY2026 plans — current year Continue supporting Navigational Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) operations. Continue on-going operations for ISS payloads and DoW SERB payloads as requested. Complete on-orbit operations for STP-H10, STPSat-7 and STP-S29A. Support on-orbit operations of the STP-S30 mission. Begin planning for on-orbit operations for STP-5 payloads, such as Naval Research Laboratory's SIRI-III and Air Force Research Laboratory's PUMA. Initiate on-orbit operations for K2 Gravitas mission.