The XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrates the separation of the ALTIUS-600 small UAS in a test at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground test range, Arizona on March 26, 2021. This test was the first time the weapons bay doors have been opened in flight. (Courtesy photo)

An Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate laser physicist analyzes the output beam from one of the directorate’s advanced laser sources. AFRL scientists investigate novel laser sources that are easily maintained, environmentally friendly, and capable of high power levels. Benefits of directed energy for the warfighter include speed of light delivery, long-range engagement, low collateral damage and deep magazine. (Courtesy photo)

Four Collaborative Small Diameter Bombs (CSDBs) hang from the wing of an F-16 fighter from the Air Force Test Center’s 96th Test Wing at Eglin AFB. Two of the bombs were dropped during the first flight demonstration of the Air Force Golden Horde Vanguard. (Courtesy photo)

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) spacecraft has been operating since its launch in June 2019, conducting unique studies into the interactions of radio waves, space plasma and the radiation belts in near-Earth space.

In support of the United States Space Force’s (USSF) long-term goals and science research in space, the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFRL/AFOSR) held the Director’s Space Challenge, a competition for one-year grants to fund bold, high-risk, high-reward basic science proposals with significant potential to positively impact future military operations in space.