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U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA)

US
gov defenseFounded 2019
United States
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All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.

In August 2025 the Space Development Agency, in partnership with General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems and Kepler Communications, established a bi-directional optical link between a commercial satellite and an airborne terminal.

Mentioned as: the space development agencyTechnical ProductFeb 2, 2026Space Development Agency Issues RFI for Space-to-Air Optical Communication Terminals

The Space Development Agency aims to normalize airborne optical link capability across its Tranche 2 and Tranche 3 satellite deployments.

Mentioned as: the space development agencyTechnical ProductFeb 2, 2026Space Development Agency Issues RFI for Space-to-Air Optical Communication Terminals

The Space Development Agency experienced 6 to 8 month delays on its Tranche 1 constellation partially due to propulsion supply chain issues.

Mentioned as: Space Development AgencyTechnical ProductFeb 1, 2026NASA’s Reauthorization Bill Focuses on Commercial Contributions

Leonardo DRS will integrate high-performance infrared payloads into the Space Development Agency Tracking Layer architecture to provide faster, more accurate warning and tracking data to commanders and interceptor operators.

Mentioned as: the space development agencyTechnical ProductJan 31, 2026Leonardo DRS infrared payloads selected for SDA Tracking Layer Tranche 3

The GAO made six recommendations to keep the SDA and its contractors on track for PWSA.

Mentioned as: sdaNarrative GeneralJan 30, 2026SDA Needs Better Planning, GAO Says

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report this week reviewing the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) planning for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).

Mentioned as: sdaNarrative GeneralJan 30, 2026SDA Needs Better Planning, GAO Says

The GAO found that the SDA overestimated the maturity of the technology it required contractors to deliver for PWSA.

Mentioned as: sdaNarrative GeneralJan 30, 2026SDA Needs Better Planning, GAO Says

York Space Systems demonstrated shorter production timelines during the Space Development Agency’s Dragoon mission last year.

Mentioned as: the space development agencyTechnical ProductJan 30, 2026York Space Systems IPOs at $4.75B Valuation

The SDA concurred with five of the six GAO recommendations and did not concur with the fifth recommendation requiring cost information from contractors.

Mentioned as: sdaNarrative GeneralJan 30, 2026SDA Needs Better Planning, GAO Says

Spain requires Space Domain Awareness (SDA) to achieve continuous understanding, perception, and interpretation of all aspects of the space domain and their operational impacts across domains.

Mentioned as: sdaNarrative GeneralJan 30, 2026Nemo, el satélite 'policía' español, tendrá capacidades para defender "nuestros derechos legítimos en el espacio"

In September 2025, York Space Systems became the first prime contractor to launch and deploy 21 satellites for the SDA’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer mission within hours of launch.

Mentioned as: sdaTechnical ProductJan 29, 2026York Space Systems Raises $629M in Upsized IPO to Scale Defense Production

The Space Development Agency launched 21 satellites built by York Space Systems for the Tranche 1 Transport Layer in September.

Mentioned as: the space development agencyTechnical ProductJan 29, 2026Latest News

Lockheed Martin projects Space to grow approximately 5% year-over-year at the midpoint in 2026 with strong growth expected on Fleet Ballistic Missile, Next Generation Interceptor, and hypersonic programs and solid growth from space tracking and communication missions due to the Space Development Agency’s Transport and Tracking Layer programs.

Mentioned as: the space development agencyTechnical ProductJan 29, 2026Latest News

As of late 2025, York Space Systems is the primary provider for the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

Mentioned as: the space development agencyNarrative GeneralJan 29, 2026York Space Systems Raises $629M in Upsized IPO to Scale Defense Production

York Space Systems is a prime contractor for the Space Development Agency.

Mentioned as: the space development agencyOrg RelationshipJan 29, 2026Latest News

As of January 9, 2026, the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command announced task order awards for NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 providing launches for the Space Development Agency and the National Reconnaissance Office.

Mentioned as: the space development agencyTechnical ProductJan 29, 2026SpaceX Manifest Updates Thread 5

The GAO report found that three combatant commands said they lack insight into how SDA forms requirements for each tranche.

Mentioned as: sdaNarrative GeneralJan 28, 2026Latest News

Northrop Grumman is deepening its integration into the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

Mentioned as: the space development agencyTechnical ProductJan 28, 2026Northrop Grumman Projects Space Growth in 2026 Following 2025 Segment Softness

SDA uses a spiral development model intended to balance technical and programmatic risks while taking a commercial-first approach, accelerating fielded capabilities, enhancing industrial base capacity, and increasing flexibility.

Mentioned as: sdaNarrative GeneralJan 28, 2026Latest News

The Space Development Agency reported early milestones for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), but the GAO concluded those reports do not reflect underlying schedule risks.

Mentioned as: the space development agencyNarrative GeneralJan 28, 2026GAO Report Warns of Technological and Schedule Risks in SDA Missile Tracking Program
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