“We did see software and hardware issues on the ones on orbit right now. That’s why we kind of delayed and took a pause to make sure we fix at least the known issues,” SDA Director Gurpartap Sandhoo told reporters.
The 36 missile warning and tracking satellites are expected to launch by the end of 2028 in support of Golden Dome.
The proposal comes as the Pentagon looks to replicate the acquisition processes practiced by both SDA and the Space RCO department-wide.
Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo’s new dual-hatted roles come as the Space Force shakes up its acquisition structure in line with broader Pentagon efforts.
The Space Data Network has multiple components and will support a number of Pentagon-wide efforts, including the Golden Dome for America missile defense architecture.
The milestone paves the way for prime contractor BAE Systems to move towards finalizing the design of the missile warning and tracking satellites.
The award to AST SpaceMobile is under the Space Development Agency’s Hybrid Acquisition for Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (HALO) program.
The Tranche 3 tracking layer will comprise 72 satellites to provide near-continuous global coverage, with half featuring payloads able to create fire-control data.
A new report from the Mitchell Institute argues that dynamic space operations can be achieved by introducing more concepts beyond on-orbit refueling capabilities.
Optical comms networks offer some advantages over RF networks, experts say.
