Rocket Cargo

Abstract

Point-to-Point Delivery (P2PD) project builds upon prior S&T work within AFRL's Rocket Cargo Vanguard program, to develop and integrate P2PD prototype systems to meet unique military use cases. The project seeks to influence and integrate relevant component technologies and systems from S&T to high-TRL prototypes that demonstrate military-unique applications and early operational capability. The project will also study and deliver initial concepts of operation and tactics development recommendations for future operational applications. This project matures game-changing technology to close space mobility and logistics capability gaps and promotes a strong resilient national space industrial base. The near-term focus of the P2PD program is to establish the foundational capability areas through operational integration and fielding of Point-to-Point Delivery (P2PD) services, specifically the development and integration of prototype air drop delivery systems. The P2PD project will integrate technology developed within the Rocket Cargo Vanguard program, as well as identify, evaluate, and certify additional Point to Point Delivery service providers. The SML program provides a cost-effective investment method to cultivate relevant commercial space systems that have achieved high Technical Readiness Level (TRL) and 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 enable 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 and integrate Science & Technology (S&T) innovations into operational capabilities and transition those capabilities to space acquisition 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

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2025
Source ID
646601_1203955SF_4_3620F_PB_2025

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.

Technology Areas

  • Space

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