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 2023-04-02 launch constituted Tranche 0 of the Space Development Agency’s proliferated low Earth orbit constellation.
The Space Development Agency awarded three prototype agreements worth approximately $1,800,000,000 last year to establish the foundation for T1TL.
The Space Development Agency is preparing to launch an inaugural fleet of 10 Tranche 0 satellites.
York Space Systems won a $94,000,000 contract in August 2020 to build 10 satellites for SDA’s Transport Layer Tranche 0.
Terran Orbital delivered a record 19 satellites in 2022, including 10 satellites for the Space Development Agency Transport Layer Tranche 0.
Terran Orbital is currently building a set of 42 satellite buses for Lockheed Martin for the Transport Layer Tranche 1 contract with the Space Development Agency.
Terran Orbital was on pace to begin delivery of 42 Transport Layer Tranche 1 satellites to the Space Development Agency during 2023.
Terran Orbital expects the Space Development Agency to award Tranche 2 contracts later 2023.
The Space Development Agency awarded three prototype agreements worth approximately $1,800,000,000 to establish the foundation for T1TL.
Lockheed Martin made a $100,000,000 strategic investment in Terran Orbital in 2022, and Terran Orbital is building satellite buses for the Space Development Agency as a Lockheed subcontractor.
Industry consultant Mike Tierney estimated the Space Development Agency received about $750,000,000 above its budget requests in 2022 and 2023 to accelerate missile-tracking satellite deployment.
The Space Development Agency awarded three prototype agreements worth approximately $1,800,000,000 to establish the foundation for the Tranche 1 Transport Layer.
Innoflight is under contract with Northrop Grumman to deliver avionics including communications, encryption/decryption, networking, processing with data storage, and precision navigation timing products for the Space Development Agency Tranche 1 Transport Layer.
Since 2020, the Space Development Agency has ordered hundreds of small satellites for a relay network and a missile-tracking layer with the first batch projected to launch in late March (year not specified in text).
Northrop Grumman selected Innoflight as a strategic avionics supplier for the Space Development Agency Tranche 1 Transport Layer program.
The Space Development Agency (SDA) is acquiring a proliferated mesh network in low Earth orbit using commercially produced small satellites to track enemy missiles and relay data to commanders.
Raytheon Technologies received an award valued at more than $250,000,000 to design, develop, and deliver a seven-vehicle missile tracking satellite constellation and to support launch and ground operations for the Space Development Agency.
The Space Force budget increased to $26,300,000,000 in fiscal year 2023 due to internal funds transfers from the Space Development Agency and the Air Force plus a congressional add-on.
The $2,600,000,000 request for launch services includes funding for five launches for the Space Development Agency’s low Earth orbit constellation.
The Space Development Agency’s low Earth orbit data relay constellation receives $2,100,000,000 in the 2024 budget request, more than double its 2023 funding.