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Space Access


The Space Access Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) office within Space Systems Command delivers national capabilities to orbit, performing both the spacelift and range control missions. Space Access secures reliable and responsive launch services to deploy the space-based capabilities needed by our Nation's warfighters, intelligence professionals, decision makers, allies, and partners. Additionally, Space Access operates and sustains resilient and ready launch and test infrastructure to project on-orbit warfighting capability through all phases of conflict and to expand U.S. economic, technological, and scientific leadership. Further, Space Access is exploring servicing, mobility, and logistics capabilities that operate in, from, and to the space domain. 

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  Mission Areas                                                                

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National Security Space Launch Program                                                

The National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program assures delivery of our Nation’s most critical warfighting space assets as and where intended, including to the most complex orbital regimes. NSSL launches enable secure communications; missile warning; space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; and positioning, navigation, and timing. Through an innovative phased acquisition strategy, Space Access is effectively leveraging commercial partnerships to drive down the cost of NSSL launches, and diversifying service providers to increase launch capability and resiliency.

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Rocket Systems Launch Program                                                              

The Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP) complements the NSSL program by providing orbital and suborbital launch solutions to Department of War (DoW) and other government agencies using commercial launch systems and excess ballistic missile assets. It provides multiple options to acquire dedicated spacelift and rideshare services for developmental, test, and operational payloads.

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Launch and Test Range System

The Launch and Test Range System (LTRS) is the system-of-systems that consists of the instrumentation and architecture supporting launch and test activity at both the Eastern and Western Ranges. Instrumentation provides capability for tracking, telemetry, weather monitoring, communications, flight safety, and other systems supporting launch of national security space, civil, and commercial payloads to orbit. These systems also support testing and development of critical weapons systems such as Intercontinental and Sea-Launched Ballistic Missiles, aircraft, and guided weapons test missions.
 

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Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics
Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) is advancing space logistics by developing new refueling and maneuvering capabilities to ensure DoW equipment can be deployed with speed and efficiency in, from, and to space. To better support our Guardians and the Joint Force, SML is exploring how to leverage emerging commercial In-Space Servicing, Assembly, & Manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities, with a focus on those that enable  sustained space maneuver, assure access to key orbital slots, and close mission gaps through satellite life extension.  In a Point-to-Point Delivery (P2D) effort, SML is partnering with the Air Force Research Lab and U.S. Transportation Command to explore new ways of leveraging U.S. launch systems for terrestrial delivery of cargo in support of  DoW operations around the globe and across the competition continuum. This includes determining logistics infrastructure requirements, evaluating space-worthy cargo containers or pods, and identifying changes needed to current contracts and operations to enable rapid and responsive launch. 
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 Mission Deltas                                                                  

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Space Launch Delta 30

Space Launch Delta 30 (SLD 30) serves as the U.S. Space Force's West Coast Spaceport and Test Range. As the host unit at Vandenberg Space Force Base, SLD 30 is responsible for all West Coast space launch and Western Range test launch operations, providing installation sustainment and services for the 118,000-acre base and its assets. Vandenberg  plays a pivotal role in supporting warfighter readiness and critical National Security Space Launch operations as the nation's only high-capacity spaceport for polar orbit launches. SLD 30 supports a diverse array of missions, including those for Launch Service Providers, NASA, Air Force Global Strike Command's 377th Test and Evaluation Group for Minuteman III testing, and the Missile Defense Agency. The base also hosts various mission partners, including Space Forces – Space headquarters and training squadrons for Air Force missile personnel and Space Force space operations. Vandenberg Space Force Base plays a vital role in the strengthening of America’s national security by leveraging the power of commercial innovation. As a critical hub for space access and advanced air and space testing, Vandenberg SFB supports essential missions such as nuclear deterrence, homeland defense, global command and control of space assets, orbital tracking, and training the next generation of nuclear Airmen and space Guardians.

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Space Launch Delta 45

Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD 45) provides host installation sustainment and launch service support from Patrick Space Force Base, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Ascension Island, and the Eastern Range to facilitate the safe launch of payloads for the DoW National Security Space Launch program. In addition, Space Access partners with NASA and other government organizations, to support an increasing cadence of space launches, exceeding 100 each year and increasing annually.​

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