The Space Development Agency (SDA) has successfully launched a satellite constellation to support the Pentagon’s vision for all-domain operations. On September 2, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried 13 satellites into low Earth orbit, around 1,200 miles above the planet’s surface. This launch marked the second batch of data transport and missile tracking satellites for SDA, laying the groundwork for the constellation that will serve as the backbone for the Pentagon’s operations.
The mission comprised 10 transport spacecraft built by Lockheed Martin, one from Colorado-based York Space Systems, and two tracking satellites from SpaceX. However, four tracking satellites built by L3Harris were delayed due to production issues and will be part of a separate launch by the Missile Defense Agency later this year.
These satellites are part of SDA’s Tranche 0 capability, which will eventually consist of 28 spacecraft. Eight of these satellites are designed to detect and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles, while the remaining 20 will utilize optical links to transfer data from space-based sensors to users on the ground. The total cost of developing, launching, and operating Tranche 0 through fiscal 2025 is estimated at $980 million.
SDA considers the first 28 satellites as its warfighter immersion tranche, demonstrating the feasibility of its plan to launch a constellation consisting of hundreds of small satellites known as the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. Future tranches will build upon this capability, introducing new technology and performance enhancements.
The first 10 Tranche 0 satellites were launched by SDA in April, and according to program Director Mike Eppolito, they are performing well in orbit. However, SDA is currently awaiting approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate its transport satellites equipped with Link 16 terminals. These terminals would enable the transmission of data collected by satellite sensors to fighter aircraft and other weapon systems. The certification delay resulted in SDA’s exclusion from the joint training exercise called Northern Edge conducted by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Eppolito anticipates receiving waivers in the near future to demonstrate this capability.
Eppolito stated that overcoming policy hurdles is one of the lessons SDA has learned from launching its first tranche of satellites. In addition, building the industrial base required to support its low Earth orbit constellation has posed a challenge. However, Tranche 0 has enabled SDA to strengthen the supplier base for future capability layers and signal to the industry that its demand for key components is not temporary.
I think we’ve shown industry that they can count on SDA to continue procuring these satellites, Eppolito said. They’re able to invest in our commodities, and we’ll get that fully commoditized satellite that we want.
The successful launch of the second batch of satellites by the Space Development Agency marks a significant step forward in establishing a satellite constellation to support the Pentagon’s all-domain operations.
