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 (2)
Recent / past
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 · 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
SpaceNews · Mar 23, 2026
York Space rides defense demand as procurement changes cloud outlook
SpaceNews · Mar 20, 2026
Holistic space observation: the shift from SSA to SDA
SpaceDaily · Feb 25, 2026
AST SpaceMobile wins SDA HALO Europa contract for direct to device tactical links
SpaceNews · Feb 24, 2026
A banner year for military space funding— with an unclear path beyond
SpaceNews · Feb 23, 2026
AST SpaceMobile wins $30 million contract for military broadband demo
SpaceNews · Feb 11, 2026
NINE INNOVATIVE COMPANIES SELECTED FOR FOURTH COHORT OF SDA TAP LAB – CATALYST CAMPUS MINI ACCELERATOR
SpaceDaily · Jan 31, 2026
Leonardo DRS infrared payloads selected for SDA Tracking Layer Tranche 3
SpaceNews · Jan 28, 2026
GAO flags risks in Space Development Agency’s missile-tracking satellite program