Gurpartap Sandhoo Archives

SpaceX Falcon 9 launches the Space Development Agency T1TL-C mission to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Oct. 15., 2025. Beginning in 2027, T1 will provide initial warfighting capability to deliver regional persistence for tactical military data channels, along with advanced missile tracking and missile warning, and beyond-line-of-sight targeting plus demonstration of UHF and S-band tactical satellite communications. (U.S. Space Force photo by 2nd Lt. Andrew Taller)

SDA hopes to keep certain decision-making authorities as Congress weighs its future

Drafts of the fiscal 2027 NDAA include provisions to repeal existing laws that established the Space Development Agency.

Sep 15, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launches SDA’s next batch of Tranche 1 transport layer satellites (Credit: SpaceX)

SDA resumes satellite launch campaign following months-long pause, tech issues

“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…

Jul 16, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

AMDT3 concept graphic (Credit: L3Harris)

SDA awards $1.75B in deals for additional Golden Dome missile tracking sats

The 36 missile warning and tracking satellites are expected to launch by the end of 2028 in support of Golden Dome.

Jul 14, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

Image from SpaceX livestream of the Tranche 1 transport launch (Credit: SpaceX)

Draft NDAA would dissolve Space Development Agency, Rapid Capabilities Office

The proposal comes as the Pentagon looks to replicate the acquisition processes practiced by both SDA and the Space RCO department-wide.

May 28, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

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.

May 19, 2026 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