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 awarded a $2,000,000 contract to Umbra under a Small Business Innovation Research contract to study integration of the company’s radar imaging satellites into the military’s next-generation satellite network.
The Space Development Agency is creating common and joint standards for space communications that still need incorporation and testing.
One Phase 3 Lane 1 Task Order procures seven Space Development Agency launches.
The seven Space Development Agency launches awarded to SpaceX are for the agency’s Tranche 2 Transport Layer.
SpaceX completed two successful launches for the Tranche 0 portion of the Space Development Agency’s constellation.
The Space Development Agency is utilizing SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket to launch small satellites into a low Earth orbit constellation.
BlackSky’s Gen-3 imaging satellites will be modified to accommodate an optical intersatellite link terminal compatible with both the Space Development Agency’s Transport Layer and commercial transport layers.
York Space Systems’ Tranche 0 satellites, part of the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, successfully established optical communications in orbit.
In 2022, General Dynamics was selected to build the ground operations and integration segment for the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
The Space Development Agency, which is part of the U.S. Space Force, is building the PWSA with a dedicated tracking layer for real-time detection and monitoring of ballistic missile threats.
The Space Development Agency awarded General Dynamics Mission Systems a $491,000,000 contract extension for satellite ground systems.
The contract modification increases General Dynamics Mission Systems’ total contract value with the Space Development Agency to approximately $900,000,000 through 2029.
A Redwire-delivered antenna enabled the first-ever transmission of a Link-16 signal from space for York Space Systems on the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 0 Transport Layer.
Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems was awarded a $254,000,000 prototype agreement for the Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) Gamma for the Space Development Agency.
The Space Development Agency selected Tyvak to produce 10 satellites for the Tranche 2 Transport Layer Gamma contract.
The T2TL-Gamma optically-linked satellites are intended to provide enhanced communications and missile tracking capabilities for the Space Development Agency's proliferated space architecture.
York Space Systems was awarded a contract by the Space Development Agency to develop and deliver 10 satellites for the Tranche 2 Transport Layer Gamma (T2TL-Gamma) variant of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
York Space Systems developed, delivered, and successfully launched nine satellites for Tranche 0 of the Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
York Space Systems is developing 42 additional satellites for the Space Development Agency's Tranche 1 of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, expected to launch in late 2024.
On 2024-08-15, York Space Systems and the Space Development Agency achieved the first successful Link 16 network entry from Tranche 0 satellites in Low Earth Orbit to a U.S. Navy ship in international waters.