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’s first task is to design a proliferated sensor data and communications transport layer in low Earth orbit consisting of many mass-produced small satellites with multiple inter-satellite crosslinks and redundant space-to-ground links.
The Department of Defense budget request for the Space Development Agency included $15,000,000 to develop transport layer architecture and standards.
The Department of Defense budget request for the Space Development Agency included $10,000,000 for commercial procurement of space situational awareness capabilities and launching LEO smallsats.
The Department of Defense budget request for the Space Development Agency included $15,000,000 for a space-based discrimination assessment.
Patrick Shanahan has been a staunch proponent of the Space Development Agency and has promoted it since he took charge of the Defense Department’s space reorganization in late 2017 when he was deputy secretary of defense.
Patrick Shanahan established the Space Development Agency on 2019-03-12 under the office of Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Mike Griffin.
The Space Development Agency was empowered with special authorities to procure satellites and other technologies from commercial vendors using simpler contracting methods than traditional DoD programs.
The Department of Defense established the Space Development Agency one month before the 2019-04-11 hearing to leverage commercial innovation without requiring congressional authorization.
A year-long effort led by Patrick Shanahan and Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Mike Griffin is creating a new Space Development Agency to accelerate innovation and develop next-generation military space systems.
The Pentagon requested $150,000,000 for the Space Development Agency for fiscal year 2020.
The Space Development Agency has been created with special authorities to acquire and test technologies with reduced acquisition red tape.
Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan supports the Space Development Agency taking risks and testing new approaches.
The Space Development Agency will focus on developing and delivering the next generation of space-based communications and Earth observation.
Patrick Shanahan argued that establishing a Space Force, a U.S. Space Command, and a Space Development Agency is necessary to stay ahead of adversaries advancing their space capabilities.
The Space Development Agency was created one month before 2019-04-09.
The Space Development Agency was stood up on 2019-03-12 and is led by former DARPA official Fred Kennedy.
U.S. Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson challenged the Space Development Agency's plan on 2019-04-09.
Fred Kennedy, Director of the Space Development Agency, is scheduled to speak at the 35th Space Symposium on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Space Development Agency plans to change how the U.S. military develops and acquires space systems.
The Space Development Agency will work with existing providers including the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center and the Army’s and Navy’s space procurement offices.