Pentagon Shuts Down Space Development Agency
The Space Development Agency (SDA), established in 2019 to expedite the deployment of US military space systems, is finally launching its first batches of operational satellites despite plans to shutter the agency.
Lawmakers in both houses of Congress have supported the closure of SDA in drafts of this year’s National Defense Authorization Act.
Mission: Tracking Hypersonic Missiles
The SDA’s primary mission was to develop a constellation of hundreds of low-Earth orbit satellites called the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). This constellation was designed to detect, track, and target ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
The Pentagon currently operates older, more expensive satellites in geosynchronous orbits, which are less effective for detecting smaller, dimmer missiles.
Rapid Procurement and Development Challenges
The SDA aimed to rapidly procure and develop new generations of tracking and data satellites every two years. This strategy involved engaging a wide range of companies in the US space industry.
However, challenges arose in implementing this ambitious plan, leading to delays and cancellations of some satellite launches.
Fate and Continuity
Much of SDA’s work will continue under the US Space Force. The missile-warning and data-relay satellites will be incorporated into the Golden Dome missile shield, a key component of the Space Force’s mission.
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