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.
Mike Griffin’s draft memo proposes a budget of $149,800,000 for the Space Development Agency in fiscal year 2020 to fund the initial set of next-generation military space capabilities.
Mike Griffin’s draft memo asserts that establishing the Space Development Agency will reduce Department personnel and financial requirements by using special hiring, contracting, and acquisition authorities, a lean organizational structure, and a streamlined reporting chain.
Patrick Shanahan asked Mike Griffin to submit a plan by 2019-03-01 to establish the Space Development Agency as a separate defense agency.
A Pentagon internal memo that shaped the Department of Defense fiscal year 2020 budget request estimated approximately $270,000,000 would be needed to stand up a Space Force headquarters, a Space Development Agency, and U.S. Space Command.
The Department of Defense would request $120,000,000 in the fiscal year 2020 budget for the Space Development Agency.
The Department of Defense expected to request approximately $270,000,000 in its fiscal year 2020 budget to stand up a Space Force headquarters, a Space Development Agency and U.S. Space Command.
CAPE wrote that the fiscal year 2020 budget includes resources to start a preliminary headquarters, begin work at the Space Development Agency and establish a U.S. Space Command.
The Space Development Agency’s annual funding would range from $120,000,000 to about $200,000,000.
Patrick Shanahan requested that the Space Development Agency be set up by 2019-03-29.
Patrick Shanahan directed Michael Griffin to submit a plan by 2019-03-01 to stand up the Space Development Agency no later than 2019-03-29.
The Department of Defense is committed to creating a Space Development Agency as a joint organization like the Strategic Capabilities Office to rapidly develop and field the next generation of space capabilities.
The DARPA Tactical Technology Office study team has 60 days to complete the task of mapping a concept for the Space Development Agency.
Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Mike Griffin directed Fred Kennedy, director of DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office, to lead a study team to develop recommendations for implementing the Space Development Agency.
The 2018-08-09 report tasked the Space Development Agency with developing and fielding eight capabilities described as the DoD Space Vision, including persistent global surveillance for advanced missile targeting and alternate positioning, navigation, and timing for a GPS-denied environment.
Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Mike Griffin directed Fred Kennedy to lead a study team for the implementation of the Space Development Agency in a 2018-12-06 memo titled "Space Development Agency Study Team Direction and Tasking."
A DARPA spokesman stated that the Space Development Agency study is led by Mike Griffin and that the makeup of the team working with Fred Kennedy on the study was not yet known as of 2018-12-17.
The Department of Defense plans to stand up the Space Development Agency to develop and acquire space technologies.
The study to define an initial portfolio for the Space Development Agency was to be completed by early 2019.
The Department of Defense planned to stand up the Space Development Agency in early 2019.
In September, Shanahan announced that the Space Development Agency will support rapid product development.