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.
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Operators working with the Space Development Agency conducted both passive and active Link 16 network entry, obtained fine synchronization, and transmitted multiple tactical messages from satellites during the 2023-11-21-27, 2023 demonstrations.
The Space Development Agency plans to field the first operational generation of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, Tranche 1, beginning in late 2024.
The Space Development Agency successfully demonstrated the first-ever Link 16 network entry through a space-to-ground connection from LEO to terrestrial receivers during demonstrations held 2023-11-21-27, 2023.
York developed, delivered, and launched nine satellites for Tranche 0 of the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
The 16 satellites are part of the Tranche 1 Tracking Layer (T1TRK) of the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
The 0.005 kg payload has been installed on a smallsat bus similar to the buses Lockheed Martin is producing for the Space Development Agency’s low Earth orbit constellation.
In October, the Space Development Agency awarded Northrop Grumman a contract to design and build 38 satellites as part of Tranche 2 Transport Layer – Alpha (T2TL-Alpha).
To date, the Space Development Agency has awarded Northrop Grumman 132 satellites.
The Tranche 1 Transport Layer is an element of the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture designed as a high-speed, high-volume data transport network connecting U.S. forces globally.
To date, the Space Development Agency has awarded Northrop Grumman contracts for 132 satellites.
Northrop Grumman completed a Critical Design Review for a proliferated LEO constellation of 16 missile tracking satellites for the Space Development Agency, clearing the way to start production work on the space vehicles.
In October, the Space Development Agency awarded Northrop Grumman a contract to design and build 38 satellites as part of Tranche 2 Transport Layer – Alpha.
The Space Development Agency Tracking Layer will provide global indications, warning, tracking, and targeting of advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems.
The Space Development Agency Transport Layer will provide assured, resilient, low-latency military data and connectivity worldwide to the full range of warfighter platforms.
General Dynamics Mission Systems received a contract last year to operate the ground systems of the Department of Defense’s future low Earth orbit constellation being acquired by the Space Development Agency.
Calvelli wants the Space Force to adopt the Space Development Agency’s strategy for acquiring small satellites using fixed-price contracts.
Terran Orbital is currently building 42 satellite buses for Lockheed Martin to support Lockheed Martin's $700,000,000 contract for the Space Development Agency's Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL), which is scheduled for a late 2024 launch.
Terran Orbital was awarded a contract to provide 36 satellite buses to support Lockheed Martin's $816,000,000 contract for the Space Development Agency's Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL), which is scheduled for late 2026.
Last year, Terran Orbital delivered 10 satellite buses to Lockheed Martin in support of Lockheed Martin's Tranche 0 Transport Layer contract with the Space Development Agency (SDA).
The U.S. Space Force plans to procure 27 missile-defense satellites for a medium Earth orbit constellation using an acquisition model similar to the Space Development Agency’s.