Space Technology

Mission — Space Survivability & Surveillance source

This project develops technologies to understand and control the space environment for warfighter's future capabilities. The focus is on characterizing and forecasting the battlespace environment for more realistic space system design, modeling, and simulation, as well as the battlespace environment's effect on space systems' performance. This includes technologies to specify and forecast the space environment for planning operations, ensure uninterrupted system performance, optimize space-based surveillance operations, and provide capability to mitigate or exploit the space environment for both offensive and defensive operations.

Mission — Rocket Propulsion Technology source

This project develops and demonstrates rocket propulsion technologies for space access and space maneuver. Analytical and experimental areas of emphasis are propellants, propellant management, combustion, rocket material applications, and innovative space access and in space propulsion concepts. Technologies of interest will improve reliability, performance, survivability, affordability, and environmental compatibility of these systems. Develop technologies to reduce the weight and cost of components using new materials and improved designs and manufacturing techniques. All efforts in this project contribute to the sustainment and growth of the space and rocket propulsion industry, providing space access and in space propulsion technology for the entire Department of Defense (DoD). Technologies under this project enable capabilities of interest to DoD, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and growing Space community. Tasks include proof of concept tests of critical components; advanced component development; and ground-based tests. This project develops next generation of physics-based modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) tools for rapid and agile space access and in-space propulsion design, analysis, and production, as well as the digital engineering concepts to manage the entire process of design, test, and validation of space access and in-space systems. This project also secures National Unique Testing Assets, providing unmatched capabilities that underpin technological leadership and ensure the safety and security of our nation. All thrusts are reviewed by a DoD level steering committee yearly for relevance to DoD missions, and the associated support costs.

Mission — Spacecraft Payload Technologies source

This project develops advanced technologies that enhance spacecraft payload operations by improving materials/component, networking, analysis tools, and subsystem capabilities. The project focuses on development of advanced space data generation and exploitation technologies, including infrared sensors; and development of high-fidelity space simulation models that support space-based surveillance and space asset protection research and development for the warfighter.

Mission — Enterprise Transformational Appld Research source

This project develops multidisciplinary applied research efforts to accelerate the technology pipeline of transformational capabilities by reducing risk and maturing technologies so they can transition in support of larger advanced technology development capability investments. These activities are selected to enable solutions to the Department of the Air Force (DAF) highest priorities. The Explore effort engages traditional & non-traditional industry, government laboratories, and academia through 12-24 month feasibility studies and demonstrations. The Seedlings for Disruptive Capabilities Program (SDCP) facilitates Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) cross-disciplinary applied research to provide leap-ahead, high risk technology development. Applied research efforts span a broad spectrum of activities, and established processes allow agility and flexibility to meet higher demand signals. AFRL will plan and manage these funds at the enterprise level to achieve a high level of collaboration executed across all the applicable Technology Directorates and will apply the research toward disruptive capabilities. Building off the technology competencies and ecosystems of the Technology Directorates brings together the needed expertise and components to develop the transformational capabilities.

Mission — Space Technology source

This program focuses on seven major areas. First, the enterprise transformational applied research develops multidisciplinary applied research efforts to accelerate the technology pipeline of transformational capabilities. Efforts in this program have been coordinated through the Department of Defense Science and Technology Executive Committee process to harmonize efforts and eliminate duplication. Second, the Space Survivability and Surveillance area develops technologies to understand space weather and the geophysics environment for mitigation and exploitation of these effects to Department of Air Force (DAF) systems. Third, the spacecraft payload technologies area improves satellite payload operations by developing advanced materials/components, networking, analysis tools, and subsystem capabilities. Fourth, the rocket propulsion technology area develops rocket propulsion and associated technologies for space access, space maneuver, and strategic systems. Fifth, the lasers & imaging technology area conducts research supporting ground-based optical space situational awareness and ground-to-space laser-enabled communication. Sixth, the spacecraft protection area develops technologies for protecting United States space assets in potential hostile settings. The last major area, spacecraft vehicles, focuses on spacecraft platform and control technologies, operator effectiveness, and human-machine interactions. This program also secures National Unique Testing Assets, providing unmatched capabilities that underpin technological leadership and ensure the safety and security of our nation. This program is executed by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). AFRL is focused on high-impact, multi-domain science and technology (S&T) solutions that propel innovation today and support the Air and Space Force in securing dominance in future operational environments. AFRL effectively aligns the Department of the Air Force (DAF) S&T enterprise and workforce towards the most consequential DAF priorities to accelerate the delivery of game-changing S&T. This program includes funding for the requisite DAF Science & Engineering (S&E) and mission enabling civilian workforce with the necessary technical competencies to develop, manage, and deliver science & technology capabilities. The execution of Space Force S&T depends on AFRL support funded through DAF (Air and Space Force) RDT&E program elements: 1206601SF, 1206616SF, 0601102F, 0602020F, 0602102F, 0602202F, 0602203F, 0602204F, 0602298F, 0602336F, 0602602F, 0602605F, 0602788F, and 0603680F. In FY 2026, $90.095 million is budgeted in this program for 484 direct Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) civilians. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) utilizes 10 USC 4091, "Authorities for certain positions at science and technology reinvention laboratories” to manage the workforce strength, structure, positions, and compensation. In order to manage, execute, and deliver science and technology capabilities, this program element may include: expenses to support the operation and maintenance of facilities; as well as expenses related to travel, supplies, IT hardware, software and support, administrative contractor services, etc. This program is in Budget Activity 2, Applied Research because this budget activity includes studies, investigations, and non-system specific technology efforts directed toward general military needs with a view toward developing and evaluating the feasibility and practicality of proposed solutions and determining their parameters.

Mission — Spacecraft Protection Technology source

This project develops the technologies to perform faster, well-informed decision making for space operations, enhanced mission assurance of critical space services, and integrate space with joint operational picture for protecting United States space assets, in potentially hostile environments, to assure continued space system operation. The project provides transitionable technology and knowledge to enable speed-of-light protection, many-on-many engagement and defense, and new orbit regimes despite growing threat impunity. This project also encompasses efforts to expand the University Consortium for Space Research to address research needs unique to the USSF.

Mission — Lasers & Imaging Technology source

This project conducts research advancing ground-based optical space domain awareness, techniques to counter laser threats to space craft, and laser applications towards ground-to-space quantum communication.

Mission — Spacecraft Vehicle Technologies source

This project is a pervasive portfolio pursuing a broad range of emerging technologies targeted for application and insertion in the future national space architecture. The project focuses on spacecraft components including, structures, power, thermal management, electronics, and robotics/logistics modules. Leap-ahead capability is provided utilizing in-house expertise and laboratories, and by leveraging the creativity and innovation of the Nation's industry, universities, and national laboratories to conduct applied research. The project maintains core competencies in astrodynamics, controls, electronics, materials, power, structures, and thermal, and provides foundational technologies supporting all space mission areas.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (14)