Space Test Program (STP)

Abstract

The Space Test Program (STP) conducts space test missions for the purpose of accelerating DoD space technology transformation while lowering developmental risk. The program flies an optimally selected number of DoD-sponsored experiments consistent with priority, opportunity, and funding. STP missions provide a cost-effective way to flight test new militarily relevant space system technologies, concepts, and designs, providing a way to: - Support the acquisition block development approach - Demonstrate and develop responsive research and development (R&D) space capabilities - Provide early operational capabilities to quickly react to new developments - Perform operational risk reduction through direct flight test of prototype components - Improve operational design by characterizing the space environment, event, or sensor physics proposed for an operational system/system upgrade - Develop, integrate, test, and acquire advanced payload support hardware for launch vehicles (LV) and human-rated spaceflight vehicles The Deputy Secretary of Defense Space Test Program Management & Funding Policy, issued in July 2002, reaffirmed STP as the primary provider of spaceflight for the DoD space research community. The July 2002 policy statement also reaffirmed STP's role as the single manager for all DoD payloads on the International Space Station (ISS). This program is in Budget Activity 6, RDT&E Management Support because this budget activity includes research, development, test and evaluation efforts and funds to sustain and/or modernize the installations or operations required for general research, development, test and evaluation.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2015
Source ID
0605864F_6_3600_PB_2015
Change Summary Explanation
FY2013: -$3.786M for Sequestration FY2014: -$1.300M for program decrease; -$.58M for FFRDC reduction FY2015: -$4.575M for higher Air Force priorities; -$0.329M for Non-Pay Inflation reduction
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Electrostatic Analyzers
  • Information Systems
  • Launch Vehicles
  • Military Research
  • Payload
  • Program Management
  • Satellite Constellations
  • Sounding Rockets
  • Space Stations
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites

Related Documents