Space Access, Mobility & Logistics (SAML)

Abstract

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 through space. The Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics mission areas include but are not limited to on-orbit refueling/repair/upgrade/assembly/manufacturing; orbit repositioning; sustained maneuver; autonomous Rendezvous, Proximity Operations & Docking (RPOD); beyond geostationary orbit (XGEO) operations; and sub-orbital and orbital point-to-point delivery operations. The near-term focus of the SML program (2025 through 2026) is to establish the foundational capability areas through RDT&E, technology demonstrations, operational integration, and fielding of Point to Point Delivery (P2PD) services and on-orbit mobility services, to include refueling. The P2PD project will advance and integrate technology developed within the Rocket Cargo Vanguard program to demonstrate an airdrop delivery capability. The On-Orbit Servicing, Mobility, & Logistics (OOSML) project will integrate commercially available servicing technology into operational capabilities including prototyping of modified commercial off the shelf (COTS) systems and services. The SML program provides a cost-effective vehicle to cultivate commercial space systems that have achieved 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 in a great power competition 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.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 1203955SF_4_3620F_PB_2025
• Change Summary Explanation: Program element was established in FY25 to resource development and integration activities regarding space Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics systems including but not limited to refueling systems risk-reduction, Rocket Cargo Advance Mission development, and other technically mature on-orbit SML platforms and their integration into the burgeoning on-orbit SML family of systems.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.

Technology Areas

• Space
• Space - Satellites