Col. Stephen D. Hargis

Colonel Hargis is the Commander, Space Development Group, Space Development and Test Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Kirtland AFB, NM. He is also the Director of the DoD Space Test Program (STP). The STP was established is a multi-user space program whose role is to be the primary provider of spaceflight for the entire Department of Defense space research community. STP evaluates early operational capabilities, demonstrates new space systems and technologies and reduces risk by flight testing prototype systems and components. Prior to being assigned to Kirtland AFB, he was the Commander of the Wideband SATCOM Systems Group of the MILSATCOM Systems Wing (MCSW), Los Angeles AFB, CA. He was responsible for the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) Program and the Defense Satellite Communication System (DSCS) Program with over $4.3B worth of satellite systems in production and on-orbit that provide critical wideband communications in support of national defense strategic and tactical needs. While in the MCSW and prior to becoming the Wideband SATCOM Systems Group Commander, he was the Program Manager, Command and Control System - Consolidated (CCS-C) Program. His team conducted acquisition planning, source selection and execution of $184M MILSATCOM satellite control network replacement. Prior to being assigned to Los Angeles AFB, he was Chief, National RCS Test Facility (NRTF), Holloman AFB NM. He ensured Radar Cross Section (RCS) testing of vital national assets was successfully conducted from multiple remote locations and awarded and executed an $80M O&M contract for the $275M RCS test facilities. He was a top 25% graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB AL. Research Paper: Comparison and Analysis of Satellites, Manned Aircraft, and UAVs in the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Role. As Chief, Strategy & Plans, Joint Endurance UAV SPO, WPAFB OH, he planned the transition of $1.2B DARPA Global Hawk & Dark Star UAV programs to the USAF. As Engineering Inspector at HQ AFMC/IG, WPAFB OH, he evaluated acquisition, depot, science and technology programs and processes. As Deputy Chief, USAF Advanced Composites Program Office (ACPO), McClellan AFB CA, he developed, manufactured, and fielded advanced composites technology. As an Aircraft Battle Damage Repair Engineer, King Fahd Int’l Airport, Saudi Arabia, he performed battle damage repair engineering on F-16 and A-10 aircraft during Operation DESERT STORM. As an ACPO Project Engineer he led development of advanced aircraft structures credited with saving pilot lives. As Program Manager, Aircraft Windshield Systems Program Office, WPAFB OH, he led $3M annual program developing improved aircraft windshield systems. His Enlisted career included assignments at Vance AFB, Oklahoma, Bitburg Air Base West Germany, University of Oklahoma, Norman Oklahoma, and Officer Training School, Lackland AFB, Texas. Col Hargis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and a Masters of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Dayton. He is a private pilot, Eagle Scout, and member of AIAA, SAMPE, and life member of AFCEA and AFA.