Space

From rocket engines and alternative fuels to unmanned vehicles and hypersonic systems, we’re pioneering aerospace technologies that help the United States Air and Space Forces soar higher, faster and more efficiently.
ONE AFRL – TWO SERVICES
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) stands ready to solve the most complex space problems by developing and delivering technology from satellites to rocket fuel and beyond. Our one AFRL team will create solutions for the United States Space Force to ensure continued space superiority for decades to come.
Success Stories
STARS
SAFE TRUSTED AUTONOMY FOR RESPONSIBLE SPACECRAFT KEY TECHNOLOGIES Reinforcement...
RE-ARM
SOLID ROCKET MOTOR MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE THE COST AND SCHEDULE OF ENERGETICS / TACTICAL ROCKET MOTOR DEVELOPMENT...
Space CAMP
THE PREMIER SOFTWARE FACTORY FOR THE SPACE FORCE WHO IS SPACE CAMP? An official branch of the Air Force Research Laboratory...
SMALL SATELLITE PORTFOLIO
WHAT IS IT? The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate’s Small Satellite Portfolio is developing,...
ORACLE FAMILY OF SYSTEMS
SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS MISSIONS BEYOND GEOSYNCHRONOUS ORBIT (GEO) WHAT IS THE ORACLE FAMILY OF SYSTEMS? The Oracle Family...
ARACHNE
SPACE SOLAR POWER INCREMENTAL DEMONSTRATIONS AND RESEARCH PROJECT (SSPIDR) What is it? Arachne is the keystone flight...
ROCKET CARGO FOR AGILE GLOBAL LOGISTICS
AIR FORCE VANGUARD PROGRAM What is it? The Department of the Air Force is exploring rocket cargo transportation capability for...
SPACE POWER BEAMING
Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research Project (SSPIDR) WHAT IS IT? SSPIDR is a series of integrated...
Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic (ASCENT) Propellant
AN ADVANCED MONOPROPELLANT FORMULATION ASCENT (Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic) propellant, formerly known as...
Related Topics
AFRL’s NTS-3 Vanguard Set for Launch Aboard ULA Vulcan Rocket
he Department of the Air Force (DAF) launches the Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) Vanguard on the USSF-106 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, Aug. 12, 2025
AFRL welcomes new Space Vehicles director
Col. Richard R. Beckman assumed command as director of the Space Vehicles Directorate and commander of the Phillips Research Site, Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, July 15, 2025.