Agencies
also: SDA
U.S. federal agency
The Space Development Agency (SDA) is a United States Space Force direct-reporting unit tasked with deploying disruptive space technology. One of the technologies being worked on is space-based missile tracking using large global satellite constellations made up of industry-procured low-cost satellites. The SDA has been managed by the United States Space Force since October 2022. By February 2024 the SDA had 38 satellites on orbit. SDA intends to have at least 1,000 satellites in low Earth orbit by 2026.
Launches (3)
Recent / past
Falcon 9 Block 5 | SDA Tranche 1 Transport Layer E
Falcon 9 · Space Launch Complex 4E · as customer
Jul 16, 2026
Falcon 9 Block 5 | SDA Tranche 1 Transport Layer C
Falcon 9 · Space Launch Complex 4E · as customer
Oct 15, 2025
Falcon 9 Block 5 | SDA Tranche 1 Transport Layer B
Falcon 9 · Space Launch Complex 4E · as customer
Sep 10, 2025
Recent news (12)
SpaceNews · 20h ago
The electronics ‘under the hood’ of space networking
SpaceNews · Jul 16, 2026
SpaceX launches 21 satellites for military data network
Spaceflight Now · Jul 16, 2026
Live coverage: SpaceX to launch 21 communications satellites for the Space Development Agency
SpaceNews · Jul 13, 2026
L3Harris, Sierra Space to build 36 satellites to expand U.S. missile-tracking network
SpaceNews · Jul 9, 2026
SDA TAP Lab Evolves Into BMC3I TAP Lab And In Partnership With Catalyst Campus Launches A New Multi-Phased Program To Accelerate Mission-Focused Technology Development
SpaceNews · Jun 11, 2026
Senate NDAA backs plan to fold SDA, Space RCO into Space Force
SpaceNews · May 27, 2026
House Armed Services draft bill eliminates SDA, Space RCO as separate entities
SpaceNews · May 19, 2026
SDA director Sandhoo takes on broader Space Force missile warning portfolio
SpaceNews · Apr 16, 2026
Space Force reorg signals end of SDA as standalone agency
SpaceNews · Apr 8, 2026
Tracking the next SDA challenge
SpaceNews · Apr 8, 2026
Capella Space wins $49 million contract for military communications satellite demo
SpaceNews · Mar 24, 2026
Space Development Agency slows satellite launches to focus on on-orbit performance