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 2020 National Defense Authorization Act directed that the Space Development Agency should move to the Space Force no later than 2022-10-01.
Derek Tournear seeks to complete the Space Development Agency’s first satellite constellation before transitioning the agency to the Space Force in 2022.
Barbara Barrett opposes a Defense Department proposal that would delay transferring the Space Development Agency to the Space Force until October 2022.
The Space Development Agency is selecting contractors to build a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed broadband and other services to the Department of Defense.
Derek Tournear expects the Space Development Agency to transition to the Space Force by October 2022 as directed by Congress.
The Space Development Agency was established under the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering with authorities to cut red tape and acquire commercially developed space technologies.
The National Reconnaissance Office's commercial imagery program, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Blackjack program, and the Space Development Agency's planned constellations in low Earth orbit are cited as lucrative opportunities for space startups in the national security market.
The Pentagon’s Space Development Agency has long-term plans to develop surveillance satellites to observe cislunar space.
The Space Development Agency intends to select two or more companies in 2020 to design, build, and test a mesh network of up to 20 satellites in low Earth orbit by 2022.
The 20-satellite mesh network is designated by the Space Development Agency as the transport layer tranche 0.
The Space Development Agency plans a much larger transport layer constellation by 2024 to provide global connectivity to the U.S. military.
The Space Development Agency requested $100,000,000 in its 2021 budget for the transport layer project.
The Space Development Agency had $25,000,000 in its 2020 budget for the transport layer project.
Constellations of satellites that use infrared sensors to detect missile launches are being developed by the U.S. Space Force, the Space Development Agency, and the Missile Defense Agency.
The office of the assistant secretary of the Air Force for space acquisition and integration is working with the Pentagon’s Space Development Agency on a separate report due to Congress in September 2020 explaining how multiple organizations that currently oversee missile-warning satellite programs plan to synchronize efforts.
The Space Development Agency is soliciting bids and drafting plans to launch satellites to identify targets, track advanced missiles, and share the information gathered.
The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act requires the Space Development Agency to move under the Space Force no later than 2022.
The Pentagon’s 2021 budget includes $288,000,000 for Space Development Agency technology projects.
DoD long-term projections indicate the Space Development Agency will seek much larger budgets starting in 2022 to begin building constellations.
The Space Development Agency was created to develop and field next-generation space systems faster and cheaper than traditional military procurements.