tranche 1 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

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

SDA kicks off launch campaign for first operational data transport sats

“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…

Sep 10, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

York Spacecraft undergoing vibration environmental testing at York Facility. (Photo credit: York Space Systems)

Space Development Agency accelerates launch of first experimental tactical SATCOM satellite

Developed under SDA's Tranche 1 Demonstration and Experimentation System (T1DES) program, the platform will test tactical satellite communication capabilities on orbit.

Jun 24, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

Northrop Grumman’s first completed satellite for SDA’s Tranche 1 tracking layer. (Credit: Northrop Grumman)

Supply chain woes further delay launch of SDA’s first operational satellites

The agency now expects to launch the first satellites in Tranche 1 of the PWSA later this summer.

Mar 10, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

GAO: Space Development Agency has not matured important laser link technology

On-orbit laser communications are a critical enabling technology for the Space Development Agency's planned mega-constellation known as the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

Feb 26, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

Space industrial base racing to meet growing demand for military satellites

After supply chain woes delayed the launch of the Space Development Agency's Tranche 1 satellites, SDA and the space industrial base are working to mitigate risks in…

Dec 26, 2024 By Mikayla Easley

Rendering of a L3Harris missile warning satellite. (L3Harris image)

SDA sends notice to industry for next layer of missile tracking satellites

SDA is looking for input on Tranche 3 as it aims to “accelerate the proliferation of missile defense capability to provide low-latency fire control-quality data."

Jul 1, 2024 By Mikayla Easley

SDA eyes commercial capabilities, services for future ground segment operations

“SDA does not want to build a proliferated ground segment to support a proliferated space segment. I think that’s where one of the best opportunities to tap…

Apr 23, 2024 By Mikayla Easley

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

Tournear: Deorbiting services could have cost-saving benefits for SDA

“That’s something that I’m really interested in, because I want to be able to take more risks on my satellites, not have redundant propulsion and things like…

Mar 18, 2024 By Mikayla Easley