A premier technology evaluation and rapid prototyping facility strategically positioned near Barksdale Air Force Base — bridging the gap between laboratory research and operational deployment for national security missions.
2031 Kings Highway
Shreveport, La 71103
Core Capabilities: Rapid Security Testing
Vulnerability Assessment
End-to-end penetration testing and vulnerability identification across hardware, software, and communication stacks - including SD-WAN, 5G/6G edge nodes, satellite modems, and cryptographic appliances.
Cyber Range Integration
Tightly coupled with the Stellar Space Cyber Range (SSCR) in Colorado Springs to enable realistic red/blue team exercises and threat emulation against representative mission architectures.
RF Security Testing
Radiofrequency interference (RFI) analysis using the Truffle Pig ML detection system - automated detection of jamming, spoofing, and UAS threats against critical communication assets.
STIG Compliance Validation
Automated application of DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) across all evaluated equipment, including validation against NIST 800-53 and RMF security controls.
Cryptographic Evaluation
Testing and evaluation of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) hardware and NSA-certified Type 1 crypto modules for integration into resilient, classified communications environments.
Core Capabilities: Rapid Prototyping & Technology Evaluation
SD-WAN Architecture Builds
Rapid deployment and configuration of Software-Defined WAN architectures (including meshONE-T candidates) with future research in automated failover, traffic prioritization, and multi-path routing across terrestrial and SATCOM links.
Satellite Integration Testbed
Future research areas include integration and stress-testing of LEO (e.g. Starlink, OneWeb, Kuiper) and MEO (SES O3b mPOWER) satellite terminals alongside terrestrial fiber, 5G, and mesh connectivity - evaluating sub-second failover and DDIL performance.
Edge Compute Deployment
Stand-up and evaluation of edge compute nodes for AI-enabled network orchestration, including self-healing routing and bandwidth elasticity proof-of-concepts for forward-deployed mission environments.
Sandbox/Testbed Environment
Isolated network sandbox enabling safe evaluation of emerging technologies - including 6G/NextG platforms and quantum-resistant key distribution - prior to integration into operational environments.
Cross-Domain & MLS Evaluation
Assessment and validation of Cross-Domain Solutions (CDS) and Multi-Level Security (MLS) architectures for IL2-IL6 data movement and classified operations support.
Core Capabilities: Research & Development Support
Applied Cybersecurity Research
Development and refinement of Defense In Depth (DiD) frameworks, best practices, and mission-focused risk-based methodologies.
Threat Intelligence Integration
Continuous incorporation of current threat intelligence - including adversarial TTPs targeting space, nuclear command and control, and communications infrastructure- into testing scenarios and defensive architectures.
Technology Refresh Pipeline
Structured pipeline feeding evaluated and proven technologies from the I2L directly into the operational ResNet network, enabling continuous technology refresh across AFGSC enterprise locations.
COMSEC & Key Management
Research into COMSEC key management solutions, including CSfC (Commercial Solutions for Classified) architecture evaluation and quantum-secure cryptographic key distribution approaches.
Geographic & Operational Advantage
The I2L's location in Shreveport, Louisiana offers distinct operational advantages that directly benefit SSC's mission partners:
- Proximity to Barksdale AFB (BAFB) - Home of Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) and 2nd Bomb Wing, enabling direct operational feedback and rapid prototype fielding to nuclear deterrence mission sets.
- AFGSC Mission Alignment – Direct mission alignment ensuring I2L technology evaluation is grounded in real-world operational requirements for Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) environments.
- Dual-Location Coordination - Tight coordination with Stellar’s other facilities including the Stellar Space Cyber Range (SSCR) in Colorado Springs ensures space domain testing and terrestrial network security testing are fully integrated across SSC's dual facilities.
- Nonprofit Status Advantage - As a 501(c)(3) organization, SSC can engage in non-traditional Other Transaction (OT) contracting, university research partnerships, and flexible cost structures unavailable to commercial prime contractors