660191 - Space Systems Operational Test & Eval

Abstract

Space Operational Test and Evaluation refers to Congressionally mandated Space Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) to support major weapon system acquisition decisions beyond Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP), Milestone C, full rate production, fielding, and declaration of Initial Operational Capability (IOC). For Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP), the law requires IOT&E be completed under realistic operating conditions before proceeding beyond LRIP. IOT&E will be planned to answer all critical operational issues (COI) as thoroughly as possible. IOT&E is conducted to determine the operational effectiveness and suitability and resolve overall mission capability of systems undergoing research and development (R&D) efforts. It is an evaluation of a system's performance when the complete system is tested and evaluated against operational criteria by personnel with the same qualifications as those who will operate, maintain and support the system when deployed. In general, IOT&E is performed on new systems in development, major modifications, and other systems as directed. This funds the USSF Operational Test Agency's participation in Integrated Test and Evaluation (IT&E). Additionally, it funds the Multiservice Operational Test and Evaluation (MOT&E) and Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) when it is the continuation of IOT&E activities past the full rate production decision. FOT&E answers specific questions about unresolved COIs and test issues or completes areas not finished during the IOT&E. This effort also funds related operational test and evaluation (OT&E) activities such as Early Influence, Operational Utility Evaluations (OUE), Early Operational Assessments (EOA), and Operational Assessments (OA) which are independent OT&Es supporting major milestones and decision points, full rate production, fielding, or declaration of IOC for USSF programs. USSF schedules and executes tests according to the forecasted test readiness of the MDAP program offices.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2025
Source ID
660191_1206759SF_6_3620F_PB_2025

Tags

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • 5G
  • 5G - DoD 5G Program
  • Space

Related Documents