Space Test and Training Range Development

Abstract

Supports the development of Space Test and Training Range (STTR) capabilities critical for developmental and operational test, training, exercises and tactics development for Space Control systems and Joint National Space Architecture. Includes development, demonstration and delivery of test assets, special test equipment, capabilities and systems required to test, validate, and verify performance of integrated space control systems. Provides a safe, secure, controllable and repeatable environment for the testing of space control mission systems and training operators in both realistic and relevant environments. Additionally, using an agile incremental development approach for range capabilities, this program develops test range assets for both the fixed node Space Range Operations Center (SROC) at Schriever Space Force Base and a deployable Signal Monitoring Unit capability to support complex Joint, AF and SF exercises. The virtual range as part of the Family of Systems (FoS), called Advanced Threat Simulation Environment (ATSE) virtual range, is being developed to accomplish the STTR mission. ATSE integrates to a Distributed Mission Architecture, tying into cyber, air, and space ranges for increased realism and complexity required to prepare space operators for real-world threats. This technology will allow for the first-ever use of a realistic signal environment to increase the realism and efficiency of space control squadron training. These risk reduction activities will include on-orbit capabilities, ground components, communication between nodes, and other required infrastructure. The National Space Test and Training Complex (NSTTC) is the overarching complex designed to encompass all space test and training range capabilities. It includes two pillars, for Electronic Warfare (NSSTC-EW) and Cyber Warfare (NSSTC-C). STTRD provides capabilities for NSTTC-EW. Space acquisition must respond with speed and agility to emerging adversary threats. The Space Systems Command (SSC) has transformed the organization and implementation of space acquisition to an enterprise approach, to increase innovation and resiliency, leveraging international, commercial, and mission partnerships, and managing program/project priorities according to an integrated unclassified/classified enterprise space architecture. Expanding the appropriate acquisition authorities and contract mechanisms to deliver capability sooner, SSC will strategically execute experimentation, prototyping, risk reduction, and other efforts to develop new or repurpose existing capabilities. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver STTR weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 1206392SF and 1206398SF. This program is in Budget Activity 6, RDT&E Management Support because this budget activity includes research, development, test and evaluation efforts and funds to sustain and/or modernize the installations or operations required for general research, development, test and evaluation.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2024
• Source ID: 666156_1206116SF_6_3620F_PB_2024

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Cyber
• Microelectronics
• Space