R&D Space & Missile Operations
Abstract
The Research and Development Space and Missile Operations (RDSMO) program, executed by the Acquisition Delta - Innovation and Prototyping, Space Systems Command at Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB), NM, conducts Space Vehicle and Ground technology transition, prototype development, Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E) and Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E). RDSMO develops and evaluates ground systems for prototype experimental, demonstration, and operational satellites within the RDT&E Support Complex (RSC) at KAFB, NM and at Schriever Space Force Base (SSFB), CO. Additionally, this program augments the Space Force Satellite Control Network (SCN) with the Mobile Range Flight (MRF) while prototyping new antenna systems and networking technologies worldwide. The RDSMO program develops, acquires, delivers, integrates, tests, operates and sustains the Multi-Mission Satellite Operations Center (MMSOC) satellite command and control (C2) Ground System Enterprise (GSE) for existing experimental and prototype missions. RDSMO develops, acquires, delivers integrates, tests and operates new tactical space C2 architectures from ground stations (including government, commercial, and a local Kirtland station) through their networks to the RSC. RDSMO then ensures users receive the highest quality data at the required latency in support of USSF, Department of Defense (DoD), and other government mission partners. This program also leads the transfer of approved on-orbit missions to operational command organizations such as Space Operations Command. It performs prototype and technology evaluation for multiple USSF missions to include the Enterprise Ground Services, Space Domain Awareness missions, and other mission areas as required. The objective of the RDSMO Program is to innovate, prototype, and evaluate USSF ground systems to support USSF, DoD, and other government mission partners while speeding transition of war-winning capabilities. The program is centered at the RSC in KAFB, but is developing, testing and evaluating architectures with distributed cloud based operations, integration in existing and future USSF data distribution networks as well as evaluating resiliency and availability to meet future warfighter needs. RDSMO develops and integrates new space technologies to maximize operator usability, such as refining software operator interfaces and developing and evaluating novel Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP). The RDSMO program provides beneficial ground and space vehicle technology directly to the warfighting organizations, for continued experimentation or operations. RDSMO uses a combination of standard hardware and software to: (1) perform satellite C2 in support of launch and on-orbit requirements; (2) develop TTP to conduct satellite operations; (3) provide a satellite C2 incremental or revolutionary (as required) ground resource for RDT&E of new satellite and C2 systems and concepts; (4) deliver operational flexibility for new and legacy satellite missions designed to out-pace adversary on-orbit systems;. (5) maximize flexible satellite operations to support multi-mission prototype operations to move to cloud-based systems; (6) explore and implement innovative ground automation, C2, and data dissemination in concert with experimental, demonstration and prototype space missions; (7) ensure a stable and reliable C2 and ground baseline as necessary for experiment and prototype space missions; (8) provide an environment to mature technology for developmental satellites and payloads; (9) transition and provide best practices for satellites and ground systems to operational squadrons if necessary. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver RDSMO 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 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 67A014_1203173SF_7_3620F_PB_2025
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