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

The Space Force is planning to host two on-orbit demonstrations in 2027 to advance the technology and inform future plans to create a space-based logistics enterprise.

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

"If confirmed, I will focus on sharpening our lethality and accelerating the delivery of space capabilities to the warfighter, keeping the Space Force ahead against any adversary,"…

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.

Under the OTA agreements, the 12 firms will develop and demonstrate space-based interceptor prototypes by 2028.

As of January 2026, the OCX program had reached a staggering cost of around $6.27 billion, according to the Space Force.

The first delivery under the Andromeda contract vehicle will be for the RG-XX constellation.

Donelson has served as the Space Force's CDAO since 2023, and previously held roles at the Army and U.S. Central Command.

“One of the things that we’re doing is, we’re kind of combining [developmental testing] and [operational testing],” Lt. Gen. Douglass Schiess said.