Space Development Agency

Each generation of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (#PWSA) includes Transport Layer space vehicles that deliver tactical data through military channels like Link 16 to support beyond-line-of-sight targeting, and other missions like advanced missile warning and tracking that rely on the movement of data. SDA is supporting warfighters around the globe through participation in joint exercises where we can demonstrate and train for accelerated tactical satellite communications. This summer, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, SDA, and our Australian partners achieved a significant milestone in military space communications during the Talisman Sabre 25 (#TS25) exercise. During TS25, SDA successfully conducted a Link 16 relay from space by networking Tranche 0 satellites and an operational aircraft while stationary on a tarmac for the first time. The demonstration proved that multi-national forces can communicate beyond-line-of-sight using the low Earth orbit satellite system known as the PWSA. #SemperCitius #Link16 #Satellites #USSF

Thank you to the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) for inviting SDA to participate in the 2025 Air, Space and Cyber Conference. SDA's Director for Data Communications, Nathan Getz, enjoyed the opportunity to discuss the role of laser communications in delivering capabilities through current and future space architectures at The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies panel, "The Imperative for Laser Communications in Space." Thank you to our host and #industry partners for a great discussion. See you next year! #SemperCitius #PWSA #USSF #AFANational #SpaceForce

First launch of Tranche 1 generation satellites was a success, and we are not slowing down! #ICYMI - SDA recently deployed the first 21 data transport satellites of our Tranche 1, Initial Warfighting Capability Tranche. Read more about our mission performed by Tranche 1 satellites on SDA's Resources webpage: https://lnkd.in/ktwxp On to the next! #SemperCitius! #Satellites #USSF #PWSA

Space is a game of speed. As part of the United States Space Force (#USSF), SDA is rising to that challenge as we begin to deliver operational warfighting capabilities through Tranche 1 of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (#PWSA).   As Chief of Space Operations, General Chance Saltzman, points out in his recent op-ed, “perfect is too late.” He argues that programs must deliver capabilities the moment they are able to contribute viable combat wins in the Joint fight. We couldn’t agree more! SDA is already delivering on this mandate by fielding a new generation of the #PWSA every two years, which allows us get capabilities to the #warfighter faster, on-ramp technology when it’s available, and apply lessons learned from earlier tranches.   To read General Saltzman’s op-ed in its entirety, check out the link here: https://lnkd.in/eRpP5KPg   #SemperCitius #PWSA #Defense #Satellites

If you are attending this year's Air & Space Forces Association's (AFA) Air, Space & Cyber Conference, make sure to stop by the The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies' "Imperative for Laser Communications in Space" panel on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 10:40 a.m. EST. SDA's Director of Data Communications, Nathan Getz, will be discussing how laser communications is shaping the future of space operations. More info here: https://lnkd.in/euFub9D7 #SemperCitius #PWSA #Industry #AFANational #SpaceForce #USSF

Last week, SDA announced the successful launch of the first Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (#PWSA) Tranche 1 (T1) Transport Layer space vehicles (SV) from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Check out our updated On Orbit page to read more about the Initial Warfighting Capability tranche and the full T1 constellation: https://lnkd.in/enzfxB8 #SemperCitius #PWSA #Defense #Industry #Satellites #Space #USSF

Earlier this week, SDA confirmed the successful launch of 21 satellites in low-Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, using Space Launch Complex (SLC) 4 East. Tranche 1’s first launch deployed 21 Transport Layer satellites provided by York Space Systems LLC, as part of SDA’s Initial Warfighting Capability tranche. The launch on a Falcon 9 reusable, two-stage rocket, is the first launch installment of 10 planned Tranche 1 launches that will provide regional persistence for Link 16, advanced missile detection, and beyond line of sight targeting. For more information, check out the full news release here: https://lnkd.in/gKBcepe6 Photo: SpaceX Falcon 9R launching from Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, using Space Launch Complex (SLC) 4 East, T1 SVs. Photo credit: SpaceX #SemperCitius #PWSA #pLEO #Defense #Industry #Space #USSF #Satellites #ICYMI

Thank you to the Secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Troy Meink, and Senator Kevin Cramer, of North Dakota, for the support leading up to SDA’s first launch installment of the Initial Warfighting Capability tranche. SDA recently announced the successful launch of the first Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (#PWSA) Tranche 1 Transport Layer space vehicles from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Read the full news release here: https://lnkd.in/gKBcepe6 Photo: Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink along with Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and SDA Director, Dr. Gurpartap "GP" Sandhoo, pose with Vandenberg SFB leadership in front of the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 1 satellites at a satellite processing facility at United States Space Force Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA. Photo by Senior Airman Daekwon Stith, #SemperCitius #PWSA #Defense #Industry #Satellites #Space #USSF

September 11th is more than a moment in history. It’s a call to action that still echoes today. It reminds us that threats to our nation are real—and that our responsibility to defend it is enduring. Today, that responsibility extends across all domains. SDA's successful recent launch is a testament to that mission. The capabilities we’re delivering will provide unmatched warfighting advantage—through speed, resilience, survivability, and responsiveness. And when Tranche 1 of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (#PWSA) is fully on orbit in 2026, we will begin delivering persistent, real-time information dominance to the tactical edge. SDA remembers those who lost their lives, those who stepped up to serve, and the countless sacrifices made by many since the attacks. Because we remember, we remain committed to accelerating the delivery of needed space-based capabilities to the joint warfighter. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza, Office of the Secretary, Public Affairs #SemperCitius #Defense #PatriotDay #NeverForget