The U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) is moving forward with its ambitious satellite constellation, the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, under new acting director Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo. In September, the agency successfully launched its first 21 operational satellites and is preparing for a significant expansion of its low-Earth orbit network over the next year.
This development marks a critical phase for the agency, which aims to provide advanced communication and missile tracking capabilities to military forces globally. The initial batch of satellites is currently undergoing system checks before becoming available to warfighters.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Gurpartap Sandhoo became the acting director of the Space Development Agency in September, succeeding Derek Tournear.
- The first 21 operational Tranche 1 satellites for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture were successfully launched in September.
- The SDA plans to launch an additional 154 satellites (126 Transport Layer, 28 Tracking Layer) within the next 10 months.
- The new satellite systems are expected to be ready for military use after a two-to-three-month checkout period.
- Future phases of the architecture, including the Tranche 3 Custody Layer, remain unfunded pending further studies by the Space Force.
New Leadership and a Major Milestone
The Space Development Agency, a key organization within the U.S. Space Force, experienced a significant leadership transition in September. After six years under the direction of Derek Tournear, the agency appointed Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo, Ph.D., as its new acting director.
The change in leadership coincided with a major operational achievement. The same month, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried the first 21 operational satellites of the agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) into orbit. This launch initiated Tranche 1, the first operational phase of a multi-layered satellite network designed to enhance military capabilities from space.
Initial Satellite Performance
According to Sandhoo, the newly launched Tranche 1 satellites are performing as expected. He provided an update during a briefing at the Air and Space Forces Association’s annual conference near Washington, D.C.
“It will take them two to three months to get everything checked out, phased out, in place and playing at the right altitude,” Sandhoo explained to reporters.
This checkout period is standard for ensuring all systems are functioning correctly before the satellites are handed over for operational use. Once active, they will form the foundation of a new, resilient communications network for U.S. military forces.
Expanding the Constellation in Low-Earth Orbit
The initial launch is just the beginning of an aggressive deployment schedule. The SDA has ambitious plans to significantly expand its presence in low-Earth orbit over the coming months.
Upcoming Launches
Over the next 10 months, the SDA plans to launch:- 126 Transport Layer satellites: These will provide secure, low-latency communication links, enabling faster data transmission for warfighters in the field.
- 28 Tracking Layer satellites: This layer is designed specifically to detect and track advanced missile threats, such as hypersonic weapons.
This rapid proliferation of satellites is central to the PWSA's design, which prioritizes resilience through numbers. A large constellation of smaller, more affordable satellites is considered more difficult for an adversary to disable than a few large, expensive ones.
Building on Previous Success
The deployment of Tranche 1 follows the successful demonstration phase, known as Tranche 0. The Tranche 0 satellites were launched previously to test and validate key technologies, most notably the use of optical inter-satellite links. These laser communication systems allow satellites to share data directly with each other in space, creating a robust and high-speed mesh network independent of ground stations.
Integrating New Capabilities with the Warfighter
A primary focus for the SDA is ensuring that the advanced technology it deploys is practical and effective for military personnel. To achieve this, the agency has established a warfighting integration council.
Members of this council are being embedded directly within various combatant commands. Their mission is twofold: to train military users on how to operate the new satellite communication systems and to gather direct feedback on system performance and potential improvements.
Phased Training Rollout
The training program will be introduced sequentially to key military commands:- Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) will be the first to receive trainers.
- Central Command (CENTCOM) will follow.
- Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is third in the rollout plan.
This phased approach allows the agency to refine its training and integration processes based on feedback from each command, ensuring the technology meets the specific needs of different operational theaters.
Addressing Critical Gaps in Missile Defense
One of the foundational mandates for the SDA upon its creation in 2019 was to address a specific vulnerability in U.S. missile defense. Sandhoo highlighted a critical “sensor coverage gap” that the new Tracking Layer is designed to close.
“Most of our ground sensors couldn’t see above 100 kilometers, and most of our space sensors couldn’t see below 250 kilometers. There was this sensor coverage gap, … and that’s what we had to get after,” he stated.
The Tracking Layer satellites will operate within this altitude band, providing persistent surveillance to detect and monitor missile launches that might otherwise go unnoticed during their early flight phases. A request for proposals to build out this layer is expected within one to two months.
Connection to Broader Defense Programs
While the Tracking Layer has a clear mission, Sandhoo noted its potential application in other defense initiatives, such as the Golden Dome missile defense system. However, he emphasized that the SDA's immediate priority is delivering on its core commitments.
“Golden Dome is a separate office in the Pentagon … but we are focused on what we are focused on right now, which is delivery [of] capability to the Joint Force,” Sandhoo clarified.
Future Plans and Acquisition Strategy
Despite the successful launch of Tranche 1, the long-term roadmap for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture is not fully defined. Sandhoo mentioned that future plans are currently “still up in the air” as the Space Force conducts broader studies on its future space architectures.
A key element awaiting a decision is the Tranche 3 Custody Layer. This proposed system is intended to support the military's goal of Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJAD C2), which aims to seamlessly link sensors and weapon systems across all domains of warfare. The Custody Layer remains unfunded, and the SDA is waiting for formal guidance before proceeding with technical solutions and budget requests.
SDA's Rapid Acquisition Model
A hallmark of the SDA is its disruptive approach to procurement. The agency focuses on:- Speed: Moving quickly to field new capabilities.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Using firm, fixed-price contracts to control costs.
- Mass Production: Partnering with vendors who can produce satellites in large quantities.
- Average Cost: The cost per spacecraft is approximately $14 million, a fraction of traditional military satellites.
The manufacturers for the Tranche 1 satellites include established defense contractors and newer space companies: Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, Northrop Grumman, and York Space Systems.
Looking ahead, Sandhoo affirmed the agency's commitment to its founding principles. “Proliferate again, demonstrate again — proliferate-demonstrate — that’s what we’re focused on,” he concluded, signaling a continuous cycle of rapid development and deployment to stay ahead of emerging threats.