WHO WE ARE
The Space Development Agency orchestrates the development and fielding of DoD's future threat-driven National Defense Space Architecture. SDA uses novel approaches to accelerate the military space capabilities necessary to ensure U.S. technological and military advantage in space for national defense.
CAPABILITY LAYERS
Original Response Date: November 8, 2021 The Space Development Agency (SDA) seeks input on a DRAFT Request for Proposal (RFP) to augment the Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL) constellation with demonstration and experimental capability. The Tranche 1 Demonstration and Experimentation System (T1DES) leverages the low latency data transfer and beyond line of sight command and…
Read Full Story
Updated Response Date: October 8, 2021 The Space Development Agency (SDA) seeks responses to their Request for Proposal (RFP) to help build the Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL). T1TL is a mesh network of over one hundred optically interconnected satellites that provide a resilient, low-latency, high-volume data transport communication system. T1TL will provide global communications…
Read Full Story
Date: August 11, 2021 | Outlet: Defense News | By: Nathan Strout WASHINGTON — The Space Development Agency launched another experimental satellite Aug. 10 as it tries to reduce risk for its first satellites on orbit, set to begin launch in fall 2022. Carried into orbit aboard the Cygnus NG-16 spacecraft during its Commercial Resupply…
Read Full Story
Original Response Date: August 26, 2021 SDA is issuing new Small Business Opportunities (SBO) under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, inviting submissions of innovative research concepts supporting the advancement of our national defense space capabilities. This SBO pertains to Space Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM). This project looks…
Read Full Story
The Space Development Agency (SDA) hosted a VIRTUAL Industry Day on Thursday, August 26, 2021. This Industry Day focused on the anticipated solicitation for National Defense Space Architecture’s (NDSA) Tranche 1 (T1) Transport capability to support a high-end regional conflict. Please see the links below for additional information and industry day content.
Read Full Story
Original Response Date: July 30, 2021 SDA released a draft solicitation for the Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL) space segment which establishes the foundation for the National Defense Space Architecture’s initial warfighting capability. With up to 144 space vehicles spanning six planes in low earth orbit, T1TL will provide global communications access with regional persistence…
Read Full Story
Date: June 23, 2021 | Outlet: DOD News | By: C. Todd Lopez The Falcon 9 mission will include five SDA satellites. These include a pair of “Mandrake II” satellites; two “Laser Interconnect Networking Communications System,” or LINCS, satellites; and a satellite carrying the SDA’s Prototype On-orbit Experimental Testbed, or POET, experiment. The SDA is…
Read Full Story
Date: June 30, 2021 The Space Development Agency today announced the successful launch of its first two satellite missions, Mandrake II and Laser Interconnect Networking Communications System (LINCS) and the Prototype On-orbit Experimental Testbed (POET) payload, on June 30 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla. The launch, supported by SpaceX’s Transporter 2, an all-rideshare…
Read Full Story
Date: June 2021 | Outlet: Via Satellite | By: Vivienne Machi U.S. Defense Department agencies are working with a who’s-who of military contractors, commercial satellite operators, and technology companies to finally demonstrate the feasibility of a proliferated constellation of satellites in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO). The concept of using hundreds of small satellites spread out across…
Read Full Story
Original Response Date: June 4, 2021 The Space Development Agency recognizes the critical importance of network planning, management, and monitoring operations. The effective operations of a complex integrated space and ground mesh network comprising the National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA) is central to the delivery of all of the supported operational mission capabilities. SDA seeks…
Read Full Story