Space Advanced Technology Development/Demo
Abstract
This program focuses on four major areas. First, integrated space technology demonstrations, is a series of advanced technology demonstrations designed to address mission needs by applying emerging technologies from the Air Force Research Laboratory, other United States government laboratories, and industry. These areas can include multi-domain technologies such as advanced materials and process in areas such as survivability, readiness, and affordability as well as manufacturing and processes to reduce transition risk, enable cost reduction, improve component and system quality, increase readiness and affordable mission availability, enhance industrial capability, and promote transformation through the industrial base. Second, the program focuses on ground-based optical space situational awareness technology development and demonstration at the Maui Space Surveillance System in Hawaii, as well as the operation and upgrade of the facility. Third, the program develops and demonstrates advanced and innovative low-cost high performance space access and satellite propulsion technologies and components. The last major area, spacecraft vehicles, focuses on developing technologies for next-generation space communications terminals and equipment. Efforts in this program have been coordinated through the Department of Defense Science and Technology Executive Committee process to harmonize efforts and eliminate duplication. In order to manage, execute, and deliver science and technology capabilities, this program element may include: necessary civilian pay expenses; 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. The Department of the Air Force technologies in this program are both enabling and enduring as we invest in maturing emerging technologies that address established mission gaps, and transformational technologies that address integrated enterprise capabilities intended to reshape the future force across air, space, and cyber warfighting domains. Development of transformational operational capabilities through advanced technology solutions focuses on five strategic capabilities: Global Persistent Awareness; Resilient Information Sharing; Rapid, Effective Decision-Making; Complexity, Unpredictability, and Mass; and Speed and Reach of Disruption and Lethality. This program is in Budget Activity 3, Advanced Technology Development because this budget activity includes development of subsystems and components and efforts to integrate subsystems and components into system prototypes for field experiments and/or tests in a simulated environment. This program is in Budget Activity 3, Advanced Technology Development because this budget activity includes development of subsystems and components and efforts to integrate subsystems and components into system prototypes for field experiments and/or tests in a simulated environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 1206616SF_3_3620F_PB_2025
- Change Summary Explanation
- FY 2025 increased compared to FY 2024 by $28.2M due to the additional funding for continuing the Oracle cislunar flight experiment, Maui base operations support, and USAF to USSF transfers for advanced materials and manufacturing for space applications. This was coupled with a decrease in funding for completion of several W/V Band launch activities and reductions for re-prioritization to meet the nation's future security needs. The increase in FY2025 from PB 2024 to PB 2025 of $35.3M reflects additional funding for continuing the Oracle cislunar flight experiment ($36.0M), Maui base operations support ($10.0M), USAF to USSF transfers for advanced materials and manufacturing for space applications ($5.3M) and reductions for re-prioritization to meet the nation's future security needs ($-16.0M).
- Service Agency Name
- Air Force
Entities
Organizations
- United States Air Force
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