Space Development Agency Completes Successful Launch of T1DES Prototype Satellite
Date: June 24, 2025
SDA delivers first of 12 risk reduction satellites on orbit for experimentation and demonstration
WASHINGTON, D.C.– The Space Development Agency today announced the successful launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, of the first prototype among 12 risk reduction satellites comprising the Tranche 1 Demonstration and Experimentation System (T1DES) constellation that will demonstrate tactical data delivery to warfighter platforms to support capabilities like targeting, and missile warning and tracking of advanced missile threats.
The prototype satellite will support integration with tactical satellite communication (TACSATCOM) system capabilities from low Earth orbit. The launch also serves as a pathfinder for York Space Systems’ LX-CLASS satellite platform, which is slated for use in other existing award agreements between SDA and York.
“T1DES will demonstrate mission payloads and configurations for potential proliferation through future tranches of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture in an effort to lower latency of tactical data delivery and enhance beyond line-of-sight targeting capability,” said SDA Director Derek Tournear. “We’re very pleased to see this prototype space vehicle launch four months ahead of the original T1DES baseline schedule and before the first launch of Tranche 1’s operational space vehicles.”
The launch, which took place Monday, June 23, on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket under the Transporter 14 rideshare mission, carried to orbit SDA’s single risk reduction space vehicle referred to as T1DES Proto or by the York Space Systems’ name, Dragoon.
The remaining 11 T1DES satellite vehicles, planned for launch in fiscal year 2026, will conduct demonstrations and experimentation of TACSATCOM, advanced waveforms, and Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS) capabilities, which are key for future connectivity of joint warfighters around the globe.
About the Space Development Agency. As part of the U.S. Space Force, SDA is recognized as DOD’s constructive disruptor for space acquisition. SDA will accelerate delivery of needed space-based capabilities to the joint warfighter to support terrestrial missions through development, fielding, and operation of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. For more information on SDA, contact OSD.SDA.Outreach@mail.mil or visit https://www.sda.mil.
-End-