Free-Flyer Spacecraft Missions
Abstract
The Space Test Program (STP) conducts space test missions for the purpose of accelerating DoD space technology transformation while lowering developmental risk. The program flies an optimally selected number of DoD sponsored experiments consistent with priority, opportunity, and funding. STP missions are the most cost-effective way to flight test new space system technologies, concepts and designs, providing an inexpensive way to: - Support the space acquisition block development approach - Demonstrate and develop responsive research and development (R&D) space capabilities - Provide early operational capabilities to quickly react to new developments - Perform operational risk reduction through direct flight test of prototype components - Improve operational design by characterizing the space environment, event, or sensor physics proposed for an operational system/system upgrade - Develop, test, and acquire advanced payload support hardware for small and medium expendable launch vehicles (LV) and unmanned spaceflight vehicles The Deputy Secretary of Defense Space Test Program Management & Funding Policy, issued in Jul 2002, reaffirmed STP as the primary provider of spaceflight for the DoD space research community. The Jul 2002 policy statement also reaffirms STP's role as the single manager for all DoD payloads on the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS). In FY12, STP provided launch services to 4 Space Experiment Review Board (SERB)approved experiments. It also provided operations support for free-flyer experiments and long-duration external experiments on the ISS. The FY13 funds were oringially requested to support program closeout and termination. STP was re-instated in FY13 and funds are now providing services to 14 SERB-approved experiments. In FY14 funds will be used to ramp up the program and plan for a restored Space Test Program. STP-2 integration and mission operations will be continued in FY13-FY15 via existing funding in PE 0603401F Advanced Spacecraft Technology, RDT&E AF. STP-2 is a dedicated research and development launch mission that also supports the commercial new entrant launch strategy. STP is in Budget Activity 6, RDT&E Management Support, because it supports RDT&E satellite launches.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2014
- Source ID
- 662617_0605864F_6_3600_PB_2014
Related Documents
- Root: Space Test Program (STP)
- Child Accomplishment: PROGRAM SUPPORT
- Child Accomplishment: PAYLOAD INTEGRATION
- Child Accomplishment: LAUNCH VEHICLE AND LAUNCH SERVICES
- Child Accomplishment: ON ORBIT SATELLITE OPERATIONS
- Child Accomplishment: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION