The U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) is a U.S. Space Force direct-reporting unit focused on the rapid deployment of space-based capabilities to the joint warfighter. It aims to achieve this through the development, fielding, and operation of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, a threat-driven constellation of small satellites in low Earth orbit. SDA's key focus areas include military data and communications connectivity, missile tracking, and development of a resilient space architecture, working with partners like Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and York Space Systems. Their work supports terrestrial missions and enhances warfighter lethality, maneuverability, and survivability.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
The Space Development Agency plans to develop a missile warning constellation as part of a proliferated LEO architecture using commercial satellites.
The Space Development Agency was established on 2019-03-12 by then acting defense secretary Patrick Shanahan.
A notional architecture developed by the Space Development Agency is predicated on the availability of a ubiquitous data and communications transport layer and assumes the use of small, mass-produced satellites.
The Pentagon requested $149,000,000 for the Space Development Agency in fiscal year 2020.
The Space Development Agency’s notional architecture includes a Space Transport layer intended as a low-latency, proliferated mesh network to provide 24/7 global communications.
The Space Development Agency’s notional architecture includes a Navigation layer intended to create an alternative positioning, navigation, and timing system for GPS-denied environments.
The Space Development Agency’s notional architecture includes a Tracking layer intended to provide early warnings of advanced missile threats.
The Space Development Agency’s notional architecture includes a Deterrence layer intended to provide space situational awareness of, and access to, cislunar space.
Unless Congress approves funding transfers from other organizations, the Space Development Agency will not be able to start any actual programs or hire people.
The Space Development Agency’s objective is to rapidly develop and deploy a threat-driven, next-generation space architecture to counter near-peer efforts to contest or deny U.S. space-based systems.
Mike Griffin named an acting director of the Space Development Agency on 2019-06-25.
Derek Tournear's appointment as acting director of the Space Development Agency is effective 2019-06-24.
The Space and Missile Systems Center agreed to allow the Space Development Agency to recruit a small number of officers from SMC.
One stated task for the Space Development Agency is to deploy early warning satellites in low Earth orbit to help detect and track hypersonic missiles at a fraction of the cost of traditional government-developed satellites.
The Space Development Agency requested $149,000,000 for fiscal year 2020 to support initial operations.
The Space Development Agency was officially signed into existence by Patrick Shanahan on 2019-03-12.
Fred Kennedy resigned as director of the Space Development Agency on 2019-06-19.
Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan established the Space Development Agency on 2019-03-12.
Before leading the Space Development Agency, Fred Kennedy was the director of DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office.
Fred Kennedy had been serving on a detail from DARPA while serving as director of the Space Development Agency.