Space Development Agency

SpaceX to launch next SDA missile tracking satellites

SpaceX will launch 36 Tranche 2 Tracking Layer satellites — 18 built by L3Harris and 18 built by Lockheed Martin — plus eight FOO Fighter birds built by Millennium Space Systems.

SDA awards four contracts worth $3.5B for next-gen missile tracking satellites

Lockheed Martin, Rocket Lab USA, Northrop Grumman, and L3Harris Technologies each won awards to "deliver and operate 18 space vehicles" for the Space Development Agency's Tranche 3 Tracking Layer.

Funding for SDA’s next missile tracking contracts diverted to troop payments: Sources

"When the funding will be authorized, given the shutdown and all the fun there, is a question mark," one industry source told Breaking Defense.

Lanteris, formerly a Maxar company, to be acquired by Intuitive Machines

The move widens Intuitive Machines' past focus on the Moon to the space market closer to Earth.

Uncertainty over satellite constellation means alt-GPS capability up in the air: Official

The Space Development Agency's planned Navigation Layer, if it proceeds, would provide both the location of GPS jammers and alternate PNT signals.

Space Development Agency launches first ‘operational’ satellites for data relay

The 21 satellites lofted today on a SpaceX Falcon 9 were all built by York Space Systems and provide Link 16 and K-band communications.

EXCLUSIVE: SDA eyeing airborne target tracking satellites demonstration, says Tournear

"I would say that we are at the point now where the technology has matured and it's commoditized, so that radar based AMTI from space is feasible," outgoing SDA Director Derek Tournear told Breaking Defense in an exclusive interview.

EXCLUSIVE: Space Development Agency Director Derek Tournear steps down

In an exclusive interview with Breaking Defense, outgoing SDA Director Derek Tournear said the agency's three biggest technological successes have been proving the viability of space-based Link 16; missile tracking from LEO; and low-cost laser links.

How industry is lining up for big Golden Dome business

While big primes appear to be positioning themselves for leadership roles, Leidos CEO Tom Bell told reporters the company doesn't need to be "Mr. Golden Dome."

Air Force, Space Force seek $16B extra for FY26 ‘unfunded priorities’

The services’ unfunded requests, obtained by Breaking Defense, reflect sharp increases compared to last year.

Integration, existing weapons and uncertainty: In Paris, industry makes its Golden Dome pitch

Executives from both Lockheed and Raytheon indicated interest in building a space-based interceptor, and hinted at their broad approaches to Golden Dome.

Space Force ponders shakeup to LEO satellite strategy, potentially hiring SpaceX for data relay

Contracts for the next-generation Tranche 3, which will replace the earliest Transport Layer satellites, have been paused until the Space Force study is completed, five sources with knowledge of the program told Breaking Defense.

Space Force is contracting with SpaceX for new, secretive MILNET SATCOM network

The MILNET contract with SpaceX is being paid for by the Space Force but managed by the National Reconnaissance Office, sources said.

Space Force awards BAE $1.2B for missile warning sats in MEO

"Space Systems Command intends to award a second vendor, but the quantity will depend on the selected vendor’s proposal. The timing and scope of that award is subject to the outcomes of the on-going FY26 budget deliberations," Col. Rob Davis, SSC's head of Space Sensing program, told Breaking Defense.