U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet AFRL/RZS (SPACE AND MISSILE PROPULSION DIVISION) AFRL/RZS  (Space and Missile Propulsion Division) Phone: (661) 275-5230      DSN: (525)  Plans, formulates, and conducts research, exploratory, and advanced development programs in advanced concepts and scientific areas related to advanced airbreathing, rocket, and space propulsion. Designs and analyzes advanced propulsion concepts, and promotes the application of advanced propulsion science and technology to military and commercial systems. Assists operational commands and Air Logistics Centers in resolving field problems. Coordinates and participates in joint propulsion science and technology programs with other AFMC, Air Force, and DoD organizations; NASA; other government agencies; other countries; industry; and academia.  AFRL/RZSA  (Aerophysics Branch) Phone: (661) 275-5206      DSN: (525)  Plans, formulates, and conducts research, exploratory, and advanced development programs to characterize, model, and analyze propulsion fluid and energy flow processes and to facilitate the design of stable, efficient, and reliable propulsion engines. Provides advanced experimental and analytical rocket plume research, including rocket plume behavior, combustion processes and devices, spray combustion, and solid-propellant combustion, to further the ability to detect, target, and track enemy launches and to predict plume-induced spacecraft contamination. Develops computational fluid dynamics and combustion technologies to aid in the design and development of propulsion and surveillance systems.  AFRL/RZSB  (Motor Branch) Phone: (661) 275-5450      DSN: (525)  Conceives and directs exploratory and advanced development programs to demonstrate promising solid and hybrid motor propulsion concepts that advance the state-of-the-art and deliver increased capability and lower cost options for future Air Force operations. Programs include space launch, upper stages, and orbit transfer. Plans and directs in-house and contractual programs that integrate promising advanced components and design technologies into propulsion system. Serves as a consultant on rocket propulsion systems in support of the Air Force, other government agencies, academia, and industry.  AFRL/RZSE  (Engine Branch) Phone: (661) 275-5198      DSN: (525)  Conceives and directs advanced rocket propulsion technology for space launch systems. Programs span the range from exploratory development to major engine system and engine component demonstrations, including turbo-pumps, injectors, thrust chambers, and nozzles. Plans, implements, and manages in-house and contractual efforts in technology demonstration programs. Formulates evolutionary engine concepts and designs. Provides customer support to the Air Force, DoD, other government agencies, and industry for demonstration and evaluation of liquid engine systems. Serves as a consultant on rocket propulsion systems in support of the Air Force, other government agencies, academia, and industry.  AFRL/RZSM  (Propulsion Materials Applications Branch) Phone: (661) 275-6270      DSN: (525)  Plans, formulates, and conducts research, exploratory, and advanced development programs to develop advanced materials and fabrication technologies for Air Force airbreathing and rocket propulsion components. Develops advanced polymeric materials, hybrid polymers, carbon-carbon components, high-temperature coatings, nanocrystalline metals, and functionally graded materials for propulsion engines and motor components. Develops techniques for practical large-scale production of advanced materials. Investigates the fracture mechanics of propulsion materials to reduce mission failure risks.  AFRL/RZSO  (Experimental Demonstration Branch) Phone: (661) 275-5098      DSN: (525)  Plans and conducts experimental operations to demonstrate rocket propulsion and space system technologies at the system and component levels. Designs, modifies, constructs, and maintains the experimental facilities, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, control systems, and physical plant test infrastructure required to accomplish experimental operations. Provides welding, machining, electrical, instrumentation and mechanical support services to fabricate, modify, and integrate test articles and specialized support hardware into experimental facilities. Provides customer interface and cost estimating consultation to contractors and project managers for test article and experimental facility requirements. Focal point for all facility related issues at the Edwards Research Site. Manages and provides oversight for support services contracts.  AFRL/RZSP  (Propellants Branch) Phone: (661) 275-5762      DSN: (525)  Plans, formulates, and directs fundamental research, exploratory, and advanced development of new propellants and propellant technology for application to military space and missile systems. Predicts and synthesizes high energy density matter, new energetic propellant ingredients, and advanced formulations. Develops methods for scale-up and testing of ingredients and formulations. Investigates advanced propulsion concepts such as dense plasma focus, laser propulsion, fusion propulsion, and anti-matter propulsion. Advises other government and industry agencies and leads the Air Force propellant effort in the Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology (IHPRPT) program.  AFRL/RZSS  (Spacecraft Branch) Phone: (661) 275-5528      DSN: (525)  Conceives, promotes, and directs exploratory and advanced development programs to demonstrate promising advanced spacecraft propulsion concepts and ballistic missile defense concepts to advance the state-of-the-art and deliver increased capability options for future Air Force operations. Pursues integrated, high-performance rocket propulsion technology visions (high performance, longevity, dual-use, cost and operational effectiveness, high reliability, and maintainability). Provides customer support to the three services and DoD to demonstrate advanced theater and national missile defense. Plans and implements in-house and contractual programs to advance the state-of-the-art in orbit transfer; satellite maneuvering, repositioning, and station keeping; and special purpose propulsion systems in support of the Air Force, other government agencies, academia, and industry.  AFRL/RZST  (Applications and Assessments Branch) Phone: (661) 275-5366      DSN: (525)  Performs performance, weight, and cost analyses of existing and proposed advanced systems to help directorate and division management make informed decisions about which propulsion technologies should be developed to support existing and future Air Force missions. Assists in constructing plans for developing advanced propulsion systems. Performs tradeoff studies to determine which alternatives best satisfy mission requirements and constraints. Acquires, modifies, and/or develops the analytical tools needed to perform these functions. This includes tools to perform propulsion cycle analysis, propulsion system installed performance analysis, vehicle and component heat transfer, propulsion system and flight vehicle heat balance, trajectory analysis, and flight vehicle synthesis and performance prediction.