Setback Marks Another Challenge for Agency, New Timeline Set for Late Summer
The Space Development Agency (SDA) announced today that it is once again postponing the launch of its first-generation operational satellites, which are intended to provide critical data relay and missile warning/tracking capabilities. The new projected date for the first lift-off has been set for “late summer.”
This delay, described as a significant hurdle for the agency, was decided in collaboration with the Space Force, according to an SDA official who spoke to reporters.
Leadership Changes Amidst Turmoil
William Blauser, the acting head of the SDA and former deputy of the department’s Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO), is currently at the forefront of the agency following the suspension of Director Derek Tournear on January 16, due to alleged contract mismanagement.
Originally, the SDA aimed to launch its Tranche 1 Transport and Tracking Layer constellations for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) stationed in low Earth orbit (LEO) by September 2024. However, this date was recently pushed back to late 2024 or early 2025.
Overview of the Tranche 1 Initiative
Tranche 1 is set to comprise a total of 158 satellites: 126 in the data relay Transport Layer, 28 for missile warning/tracking in the Tracking Layer, and 4 for missile defense demonstration purposes. The first launch will feature Transport Layer satellites, though the number of satellites included and which of the three current vendors will be represented remains uncertain.
Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and the start-up York Space Systems were awarded a share of a $1.8 billion contract in February 2022.
New Launch Frequency Plans
The SDA has outlined plans to conduct one launch per month until all Transport and Tracking Layer satellites are successfully deployed. Despite the ongoing challenges, the agency remains focused on the first Tranche 1 launch and is navigating through the typical assembly, integration, and testing phases, albeit with added complications due to delayed supplier deliveries.
Challenges in Development
A significant factor contributing to the launch delay includes complications with the development of optical communications terminals (OCTs), which are crucial for the laser link systems integral to PWSA. These links form a “mesh” network that enables rapid data transfer both among satellites and ultimately to ground stations. An SDA official acknowledged that developing OCT terminals “is definitely a challenge” and the agency is actively working to resolve these issues.
Other reported complications encompass the supply of propulsion units and difficulties among vendors in obtaining approvals for encryption devices necessary for satellite operations. Although the SDA official did not provide further details on the encryption issue, it is known that the National Security Agency oversees the approval of such devices used by the Department of Defense and other national security entities.
Commitment to Timelines Despite Delays
Despite these setbacks, the SDA remains committed to delivering region-by-region coverage for users by early 2027. The agency aims to complete on-orbit testing and checkout of the initial satellites by mid-2026, ultimately delivering the entire initial warfighting capability of the PWSA in early 2027, in line with the expectations of warfighters.
“SDA’s top priority is to quickly deliver capabilities promised to the warfighter,” the announcement stated, emphasizing that while launch is a significant milestone, it is just one step in a broader goal to deliver robust operational capabilities. The SDA is determined to rapidly deliver effective systems with a high degree of operational confidence.
