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

Formerly known as MILNET, the Space Data Network Backbone constellation will provide backhaul communications to facilitate data transfer for the Pentagon.

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

The organization intends to launch selected sensor and seeker prototypes into space for a demonstration no later than two years after it contracts vendors.

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.

Optical comms networks offer some advantages over RF networks, experts say.

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…

“This is the first time we’ll be able to start working with our [combatant commanders] and our joint force to start integrating space into their operations and…