Space Systems Prototype Transitions (SSPT)

Abstract

The Space System Prototype Transition (SSPT) Program identifies and addresses space technology and capability gaps in order to facilitate technology transition of military space prototypes into programs of record. It conducts a wide array of activities to model, integrate, test, provide launch integration, and support on-orbit testing of prototype technologies. The supported activities include systems engineering, technology planning, development, demonstration and testing, as well as modeling, simulations, and exercises to support the development and maturation of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). This also includes the development and prototyping of critical technology within the Department of Defense (DoD) and across other government agencies, academic institutions, and identified industry partners, and the necessary systems engineering to effectively employ such systems. Specifically, 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 includes projects for Long Duration Propulsive Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) (LDPE), LDPE's follow-on activity called Rapid On-Orbit Space Technology Evaluation Ring (ROOSTER), Tetra, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System—Hosted Payload (QZSS-HP), Space-To-Space Communications, rapidly prototype and space-qualify emerging CubeSat technology, and Assault Breaker II (ABII). LDPE and ROOSTER provides a low-cost, rapid, and flexible on-orbit capability to host and deploy numerous prototypes and payloads utilizing excess payload margin available on US Space Force (USSF) launch missions. Each LDPE/ROOSTER on-orbit platform is currently 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. ROOSTER's predecessor program, the Long Duration Propulsive Evolved Expendable (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) (LDPE), consisting of the LDPE-1, -2 and 3A mission concluded in FY2024. The objectives of the ROOSTER program are to enable rapid and cost-effective technology insertion into operational program of records 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 USSF space enterprise architecture. Tetra provides a training platform for operators to develop and demonstrate TTPs for pathfinder mission sets. This project directly supports the evolution of operations to include Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Space Control in alignment with objectives from organizations such as the National Space Test and Training Complex (NSTTC) and USSF Test and Evaluation (TE). QZSS-HP is a ""pacesetter” hosted payload that is a high priority for the US and Japan, paving the way for future Allied collaborations. It enhances Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) SDA capabilities over the Eurasian theater and facilitates resilient capabilities in the Space Surveillance Network (SSN). Space-to-Space Communications activity 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 also enhances the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Space-Based Adaptive Communication Node (Space BACN) modem design to support long-range crosslinks and incorporate emerging optical waveform standards. The CubeSat technology efforts develops innovative technologies that provide more capabilities than current existing CubeSat technologies. The goal is to mature each applicable capability to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 or higher (demonstration of system in a relevant environment), test and verify performance, define the specification and operational benefit, and inform relevant Space Systems Command (SSC) program offices of the new capability. The overall goal is to enhance small satellite capabilities as operational satellites miniaturize, meeting the Space Service Acquisition Executive's vision of delivering capabilities faster. Digital Engineering Interconnected, Cloud-based Ecosystem (DEICE) Tech Stack prototypes and develops the Space Force Digital Engineering Ecosystem (DEE) as a cloud-based, remotely accessible, multilevel security, interconnected infrastructure, providing the technical methodology used to store, access, analyze, and visualize evolving systems' data and models throughout systems' acquisition lifecycles. In FY 2024, this activity transferred to PE 1203010SF, Space Force Information Technology (IT), Data Analysis, Digital Solutions, project 645620, Digital Engineering to improve transparency. ABII is an all-Service, classified, multi-year effort, led by DARPA, to analyze, research, and recommend material and non-material all domain counter-Anti-Access/Area Denial (AA/AD) solutions to the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC). This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver 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.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 1206427SF_4_3620F_PB_2025
• Change Summary Explanation: FY 2023: +10.000M; increase for LDPE, ROOSTER, and TETRA efforts. FY 2023: +31.350M; Above Threshold Reprogramming increase for Space-To-Space Communication. FY 2025: +3.067M increase for integration of QZSS Hosted Payload per US-Japan International Agreement
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space
• Space - Satellites