The new satellite, set to launch in 2024, could provide comms links with astronauts and rovers on the far side of the Moon, as well as to scientists at the South Pole.
The largest of the four categories is called "Develop A Warfighter Punch" and includes $279 million for classified programs.
Explore how networked warfare, AI, and 3D-printed drones are reshaping US Indo-Pacific strategy.
AFRL last Thursday held a classified stakeholder meeting to discuss R&D to underpin future military operations beyond the traditional near-Earth orbits used today.