The U.S. Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is the leading accelerator‐based, pulsed neutron‐scattering facility, currently in the process of ramping up neutron production. In order to insure meeting operational requirements as well as providing for future facility beam power upgrades, a multifaceted H‐ ion source development program is ongoing. This work discusses several aspects of this program, specifically the design and first beam measurements of an RF‐driven, external antenna H‐ ion source based on an A1N ceramic plasma chamber, elemental and chromate Cs‐systems, and plasma ignition gun. Unanalyzed beam currents of up to ∼100 mA (60 Hz, 1 ms) have been observed and sustained currents >60 mA (60 Hz, 1 ms) have been demonstrated on the test stand. Accelerated beam currents of ∼40 mA have also been demonstrated into the SNS front end. Data are also presented describing the first H‐ beam extraction experiments from a helicon plasma generator based on the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASI...