Gurpartap Sandhoo Archives

A Space X Falcon 9 rocket launches from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, Feb. 14, 2024. The rocket was launched as part of classified mission USSF-124, sending six satellites to orbit – two for the Missile Defense Agency and four for the Space Development Agency. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Contreras)

Sandhoo named Space Development Agency director, PAE for missile warning and tracking

Gurpartap "GP" Sandhoo's new dual-hatted roles come as the Space Force shakes up its acquisition structure in line with broader Pentagon efforts.

4 days ago By Mikayla Easley

AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird (AST SpaceMobile image)

SDA taps commercial firm for on-orbit tactical SATCOM demonstration

The award to AST SpaceMobile is under the Space Development Agency's Hybrid Acquisition for Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (HALO) program.

Feb 23, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

Northrop Grumman’s TRKT3 will build on the Tracking Layer capabilities of Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 with targeted technology enhancements, expanded coverage and increased integration including precision fire-control sensing. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

SDA awards $3.5B across 4 contracts for next phase of missile tracking satellites

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.

Dec 19, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

Space Development Agency pauses plans to provide PNT capabilities

SDA was looking to build out PNT capabilities in the Tranche 3 transport layer of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, which the Department of the Air Force…

Sep 22, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

Space Development Agency Director Derek Tournear is interviewed by DefenseScoop Managing Editor Jon Harper at DefenseTalks, Sept. 15, 2022.

Derek Tournear departs as Space Development Agency director

After more than six years at SDA's helm, Tournear is departing to pursue a "new opportunity," according to the agency.

Sep 8, 2025 By Mikayla Easley