Space Systems Prototype Transitions (SSPT)

Mission — Space Systems Prototype Transitions (SSPT) source

The Space Systems Prototype Transitions (SSPT) Program addresses space technology and capability gaps to facilitate technology transition of military space prototypes into programs of record. SSPT conducts an array of activities to model, integrate, test, provide launch integration for, and support on-orbit testing of prototype technologies. The supported activities include systems engineering, technology planning, development, demonstration and testing, as well as modeling, simulation, and exercises to support the development and maturation of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). This includes developing and prototyping critical technology within the DoD, other government agencies, academia, and industry partners, along with the necessary systems engineering for effective deployment. Project 645601, Space Defense Capabilities, prototypes technologies and facilitates informed insertion to programs of record and provides platforms to operate prototypes in space. Project 645611, Assault Breaker II (ABII), is an all-Service, classified, multi-year effort, led by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) to analyze, research, and recommend material and non-material solutions to the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC). The SSPT Program establishes a cost-effective framework to identify, mature and transition demonstrations and prototypes to: -Rapidly address identified technology or capability gaps -Accelerate the maturation of systems intended for demonstrations/prototypes that enhance/compliment/replace existing capabilities -Support a more reliable, available, maintainable, and survivable military space enterprise -Energize the space industrial base supporting U.S. national security -Focus Science and Technology (S&T) Innovation and facilitate its transition to military space programs of record This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver Space Systems Prototype Transitions (SSPT) capability. 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 — Space-to-Space Communications source

The Space Defense Capabilities project prototypes technologies for insertion into programs of record and provides platforms to operate prototypes in space. The Long Duration Propulsive Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Secondary Payload Adapter (abbreviated LDPE) and Rapid On-Orbit Space Technology Evaluation Ring (ROOSTER) provide a low-cost, rapid, and flexible on-orbit capability to host and deploy numerous prototypes and payloads in order to mature critical technologies and enable investment or divestment decisions. Each LDPE/ROOSTER on-orbit platform is designed to fly multiple payloads per mission, thus fully utilizing launch potential and providing the only recurring rideshare option for prototypes, demonstrations, and experiments to geosynchronous orbit. LDPE, consisting of the LDPE-1, -2, and -3A missions, concluded in FY 2024. The objectives of the ROOSTER program are to enable rapid and cost-effective technology insertion into operational programs of record through the on-orbit checkout and testing of prototypes, demonstrations, and experimental payloads. Additionally, ROOSTER will work to mature operational concepts and TTPs, such as on-obit refueling, for use within the United States Space Force (USSF) space enterprise architecture. Tetra provides a pathfinder to define future system architectures and operational concepts for several Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Space Control programs and other mission partners, as well as prove prototype and experiment technologies for Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and other DoD labs. It serves as an additional platform to host prototype and experiment payloads that need to operate in concert with LDPEs or ROOSTERS. As a secondary mission, it provides a training platform for operators to develop and demonstrate tactics, techniques, and procedures for the evolution of operations and training in alignment with objectives from organizations such as the National Space Test and Training Complex (NSTTC) and USSF Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM). Quasi-Zenith Satellite System-Hosted Payload (QZSS-HP) has dual goals of enhancing the US-Japan alliance and proving the feasibility and capability of a SDA sensor payload able to be proliferated and hosted on US and non-US satellites. In addition to prototyping such a capability, it will serve as a dedicated sensor in the Space Surveillance Network, enhancing SDA in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) over the Eurasian theater. Space-to-Space (S2S) Comms (funding transferring to PE 1203609SF in FY 2026) includes development of communications technologies to synchronize space-to-space Command and Control (C2) and data transport needs across the space community and enable system-agnostic communication pathways via a mobile ad-hoc network. It enhances the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Space-Based Adaptive Communication Node (SpaceBACN) modem design to support long-range crosslinks and incorporate emerging optical waveform standards. In cooperation with AFRL, it develops networking systems to manage the space data network. It also develops and maintains a communications testbed to mature communication waveforms and validate hardware. In 2024, Congress added funding for GEO SmallSat communications technology. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver Space Systems Prototype Transitions (SSPT) capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 1206392SF and 1206398SF. The FY 2026 request was reduced by $0.647M 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."

Mission — Assault Breaker II source

ABII is an all-Service, classified, multi-year effort, led by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) to analyze, research, and recommend material and non-material solutions to the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC).

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (4)