Space Access, Mobility & Logistics (SAML)

Mission — Space Access, Mobility & Logistics (SAML) source

The Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) program identifies and closes space related mobility and logistics capability gaps to facilitate integration and employment of on-orbit servicing and mobility for prepared and unprepared spacecraft and logistics in, from, and to space. The Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics mission areas are grouped into On-Orbit SML and Point to Point Delivery (P2D). On Orbit SML includes but is not limited to on-orbit refueling, repairing, upgrading, assembling and manufacturing; orbit repositioning; sustained maneuver; autonomous Rendezvous, Proximity Operations & Docking (RPOD); beyond geostationary orbit (XGEO) operations. Point to Point Delivery (P2D) includes but is not limited to orbital supply prepositioning and operational downmass as well as responsive sub-orbital and orbital point-to-point delivery operations. The near-term focus of the On-Orbit SML project is to establish the foundational capability areas through RDT&E, technology demonstrations, operational integration, and fielding of on-orbit mobility services, to include refueling. The On-Orbit SML will integrate commercially available servicing technology into operational capabilities including prototyping of modified commercial off the shelf (COTS) systems and services. The near-term focus of the P2D project will leverage technology developed within both commercial independent research and development (IRAD) and AFRL's Rocket Cargo Vanguard program to study and develop P2D reference missions. Advance integrated mission studies will analyze and assess military utility, technical feasibility, and projected technical maturation paths to develop and refine initial Point to Point Delivery (P2D) reference missions. Individual reference missions will undergo mission specific studies to pair emerging innovative technical commercial systems with prioritized warfighter needs to minimize research and development and non-recurring engineering while maximizing rapid field-ability and operational impact. The SML program provides a cost-effective vehicle to cultivate commercial space systems that have achieved a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) that can be leveraged to meet the needs of DoD components. Activities include system engineering technology maturation, tactics development required for operational integration, prototyping and test and evaluation required for technology transition to effective operational employment. The SML program will mature, integrate, and transition space system demonstrations and prototypes in order to: - Rapidly address identified capability gaps with emergent technologies - Focus the integration of Science & Technology (S&T) innovations into operational capabilities and transition those capabilities to service acquisitions or space programs of record - Accelerate technical maturation of emerging technologies to close high-priority capability gaps to secure US overmatch against pacing threats - Provide targeted investment in the space industrial base to support U.S. National Security under Great Power Competition (GPC). The FY 2026 request was reduced by $0.142 million for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative.” 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. This effort is in Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes (ACD&P), because efforts are necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative modes or prototype systems in a high fidelity and realistic operating environment.

Mission — On Orbit Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (OOSML) source

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.

Mission — Point to Point Delivery (P2D) source

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 study and deliver initial concepts of operation and tactics development recommendations for future operational applications. This project matures 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 study 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 DoD components. Activities include Advanced Integrated Mission Studies (AIMS), system engineering technology maturation, tactics development required for operational integration, prototyping and test and evaluation required for technology transition to enable effective operational employment. The SML program will mature, integrate, and transition space system demonstrations and prototypes in order to: - Rapidly address identified capability gaps with emergent technologies - Focus and integrate Science & Technology (S&T) innovations into operational capabilities and transition those capabilities to space acquisition programs of record - Accelerate technical maturation of emerging technologies to close high-priority capability gaps to secure US overmatch against pacing threats - Provide targeted investment in the space industrial base to support U.S. National Security under Great Power Competition (GPC).

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (2)