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 is building a constellation of hundreds of satellites, each equipped with multiple laser communications terminals.
The Space Development Agency awarded Mynaric a two-year $3,000,000 contract to design an optical ground terminal and demonstrate connections with space-based optical communications terminals.
The optical ground terminal will be used to demonstrate communications with the Space Development Agency’s mesh network of military satellites.
Northrop Grumman won a July 2022 contract for 14 missile-tracking satellites for the Space Development Agency’s Tracking Layer Tranche 1.
In February 2022, the Space Development Agency selected Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and York Space Systems to each produce 42 satellites for the Tranche 1 Transport Layer.
The Space Development Agency uses a commercial-like model to acquire satellites, incrementally adding new technologies as they become available in contrast to the Department of Defense’s traditional method of funding one large acquisition over many years.
Derek Tournear is the director of the Space Development Agency and the agency is in the procurement phase for Tranche 2 to support a 2026 delivery.
The Space Development Agency plans to acquire an additional 100 “Alpha” satellites for the Tranche 2 Transport Laser.
The Beta variant of the Tranche 2 Transport Layer vehicles are similar to the 126 Tranche 1 Transport Layer satellites that the Space Development Agency ordered last year from Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and York Space.
The Space Development Agency is building a mesh network of military satellites in low Earth orbit.
Northrop Grumman was selected by the Space Development Agency to design and build 36 data transport satellites for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
To date Lockheed Martin has won Space Development Agency contracts for 88 satellites and Northrop Grumman has won orders for 92 satellites.
The Space Development Agency awarded Lockheed Martin a firm-fixed-price agreement valued at approximately $816,000,000 to build 36 Tranche 2 Transport Layer Beta satellites.
The 72 satellites will make up a portion of the Space Development Agency’s network known as Tranche 2 Transport Layer.
Northrop Grumman will supply 36 data transport satellites for the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 2 Transport Layer Beta.
T2TL Beta variant satellites will operate in tandem with the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 networks.
With the Tranche 2 award, Lockheed Martin will deliver at least 88 data communications satellites for the Space Development Agency’s LEO military constellation.
The Space Development Agency awarded contracts worth $1,500,000,000 to Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin on 2023-08-21 to build and operate 72 satellites.
The study funded by the Space Development Agency is to be completed over 90 days.
The Space Development Agency is interested in options that leverage existing or planned commercial optically-interconnected orbital mesh network and ground infrastructure to the maximum extent possible.