Space Force prepares for DoW Space Test Program launch of four experimental satellites Published Dec. 16, 2025 El Segundo, CA -- The Department of War’s (DoW) Space Test Program (STP) is preparing for launch of the U.S. Space Force (USSF) STP-S30 mission to deliver four experimental satellites to low-Earth Orbit (LEO) no earlier than December 17 aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from Virginia Spaceport Authority’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s (MARS) Launch Complex 2 (LC-2), located at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. The DoW STP is managed by Space Systems Command (SSC) System Delta 89’s (SYD 89) Innovation and Prototyping Program Office with support of USSF’s Space Combat Power (SCP) Program Executive Office (PEO). The STP-S30 mission is supported in partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Aerospace Corporation (Aerospace) to deliver experimental demonstrations of new capabilities and expedient space access solutions for research and development experiments. The four experimental satellites are to be delivered by an Electron launch vehicle to LEO. These satellites will be utilizing a new satellite bus architecture called DiskSat, that enables missions requiring high power, large apertures, and/or high maneuverability in a low-mass satellite. A new containerized dispenser will also be flown to ensure the DiskSats are safely launched and released on orbit. The objective of the mission is to characterize the performance and utility of the DiskSat buses, demonstrate generation and management of up to 100 watts peak power, and maneuver to different orbits including Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). Secondary payloads will be flown on the DiskSat satellites ranging from communications to space environment sensing. STP manifests experiments based on the prioritized list of critical space technologies generated by the Space Experiment Review Board (SERB) as well as the ability of the payloads to meet the launch dates, and orbital requirements. "STP stands at the forefront of ensuring continued U.S. space superiority. By providing reliable and responsive access for experimental payloads, we accelerate the development and deployment of critical technologies, maintaining our strategic advantage in an increasingly contested space domain," said USSF Lt. Col. Brian Shimek, Director, Department of War, Space Test Program. The launch service, contracted to Rocket Lab, was executed using the Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP), the USSF's dedicated program for small, experimental, test and responsive launch. RSLP is managed by SSC System Delta 80's (SYD 80) Small Launch and Targets Division. Both the DoW STP and RSLP programs are headquartered in Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. The STP-S30 mission illustrates the flexibility and responsiveness of commercially available launch solutions for placing ground-breaking military space capabilities into orbit. RSLP exercised their Orbital Services Program (OSP-4) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for the launch service. The contract consists of twelve launch service providers who can support any payload over 400 pounds and can access any orbit needed for mission accomplishment. “RSLP offers a broad range of solutions for access to space and ultimately, a reliable test and development capability for STP and its many other government customers.” said USSF Lt. Col. Steve Hendershot, SYD 80’s Small Launch and Targets Division system program manager. The USSF SCP PEO leads acquisition for advanced warfighting capabilities in the space domain, including orbital, electromagnetic, and cyberspace warfare. The office also oversees acquisition of space-based space domain awareness capabilities and a resilient space data network to rapidly provide battlespace data into a larger architecture through all phases of conflict. The portfolio maintains a critical focus on next-generation technology development through innovation and prototyping efforts, leveraging international, commercial, and interagency partnerships. SSC is the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient capabilities to outpace emerging threats and protect our Nation’s strategic advantage in, from, and to space. SSC manages a $15.6 billion annual space acquisition budget for the Department of War (DoW) working with joint forces, industry partners, government agencies, academia, and allied nations. For more information, visit ssc.spaceforce.mil and follow @USSF-SSC on LinkedIn. Media representatives can submit questions for response regarding this topic by sending an e-mail to sscpa.media@spaceforce.mil