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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Lockheed Martin has won orders for 88 satellites from the Space Development Agency, including portions of the Transport Layer Tranche 0 and Tranche 1 constellations.
The Space Development Agency’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer is currently scheduled for a late 2024 launch.
Lockheed Martin will conduct payload integration and jointly operate the Tranche 2 Transport Layer Beta satellites with the Space Development Agency.
Lockheed Martin awarded Terran Orbital Corporation a contract to build 36 satellite buses for the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 2 Transport Layer Beta constellation.
The PWSA provides ubiquitous data communications and accelerates decision-making to enable Space Development Agency on-orbit assets built by multiple vendors to adapt quickly to evolving near-peer threats and warfighter needs.
The Space Development Agency planned to acquire 44 Gamma satellites for Transport Layer Tranche 2 but is revising those plans.
Scientific Systems demonstrated integration and deployment of new containerized software for the Space Development Agency’s POET program using its Innoflight processor hosted on Loft Orbital’s YAM-3 satellite.
York Space has 124 satellites ordered to date, making the Colorado-based manufacturer currently the Space Development Agency’s largest supplier of satellites.
The Space Development Agency is in discussions with a third Beta vendor to produce an additional 24 satellites that would include some Gamma capabilities.
The Space Development Agency aims to procure Transport Layer satellites at a price point of about $15,000,000 per unit.
SAIC was awarded the Space Development Agency contract in June 2023 to support the BMC3 Application Factory and Secure Interoperability Layer for the PWSA.
The Space Development Agency awarded York Space a $615,000,000 contract for 62 satellites for the Department of Defense’s Transport Layer Tranche 2 Alpha.
Space Development Agency satellites are built with an expected on-orbit life of about five years and the agency plans to buy replacement batches every two years.
BlackSky Technology won a competitive U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory AFWERX Direct to Phase 2 contract funded by the Space Development Agency to build an automated target recognition service.
Scientific Systems developed a payload for a Space Development Agency demonstration of autonomous satellite operations that launched in 2021 on a Loft Orbital satellite.
BlackSky Technology Inc. won a competitive U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory AFWERX Direct to Phase 2 contract funded by the Space Development Agency to build an automated target recognition service.
Raytheon is using Blue Canyon Technologies’ Saturn buses to build seven satellites for the Space Development Agency.
The Space Development Agency is a U.S. Space Force organization that uses unconventional procurement methods to acquire satellites and build a space network.
The Space Development Agency achieved two successful satellite launches in 2023.
General Atomics designed the Manhattan optical terminals to provide communications in degraded environments and to establish and maintain links that meet Space Development Agency standards.