® Technology Areas
SpEC collaboration and prototype development allows for more frequent launches and innovative spacecraft designs to create more predictable access to space. SpEC technology areas include:

Mission Design, CONOPS, Evaluation
Design of a space system/architecture based on broad mission objectives and constraints
Define and characterize alternative concepts and architectures
Trade studies
Define and characterize alternative concepts and architectures
Trade studies

Mission Operations and Architecture
Detailed assessment of how the organization will operate and control the selected mission
Definition of the major elements required to execute mission operations
Definition of the major elements required to execute mission operations

Command, Control, and Communications Architecture
The definition and arrangement of systems to satisfy the mission’s communication, command and control requirements

Launch Segment
All components required to deliver the mission from the ground to space

Ground Segment
Fixed and mobile ground stations, connected by various communication links, that support command and tracking of the mission as well as receive and process telemetry and mission data
Includes the distribution of mission data to operators.
Includes the distribution of mission data to operators.

Satellite bus, structure, power, attitude control, propulsion
All elements and subsystems associated with the spacecraft operation except for mission specific systems (mission payloads) and communication

Payload - Data Processing and Transport
Commuication and processing

Payload - Radio Frequency
RF associated mission payloads (e.g. SAR, SIGINT, etc.)

Payload - Optical (Visibility and IR)
Optical associated payloads (e.g. laser, IR, etc.)

Electronics
Electronics specifically designed or intended for space operations e.g. FPGAs, rad-hard, etc.

Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning
Application of AI/ML to support all aspects (ground/space/launch) of space operations