SpaceX wins $2.29B to speed Space Force’s LEO communications ‘backbone’
The SpaceX "backbone" constellation will support the broader Space Data Network, which will include the Space Development Agency's Transport layer satellites.
Space Force shifts from SDA transport layer to new Space Data Network ‘backbone’
A project previously called MILNET will now be funded in a budget line labeled “proliferated LEO SATCOM,” which the Space Force is seeking $1.6 billion in reconciliation funding to kick off.
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Space Force programs supporting Golden Dome see big FY27 budget boost
Missile warning and tracking programs, and the emerging Space Data Network being developed to ferry space sensor data to shooters on the ground, in the air and at sea are among the programs seeing huge increases.
SDA hopes to bring satellite laser links into use within next 6 months
The Space Development Agency is taking a "strategic pause" in launching its Tranche 1 data relay and missile tracking satellites to work out the kinks discovered in the 42 birds already on orbit, according to SDA Director GP Sandhoo.
What is the Pentagon’s ‘Space Data Network,’ and why does it matter for Golden Dome?
The SDN will provide the communications pathways for integrating and moving data from missile warning/tracking sensors to interceptors in near-real time under the Golden Dome construct.
Project Hecate: The Space Force’s quiet effort to keep GPS survivable after 2040
Meanwhile, the Space Warfighting Analysis Center is pushing the use of signals from communications satellites in low Earth orbit as a near-term alternative to GPS.
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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: 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.
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.
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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.
EXCLUSIVE: Derek Tournear reinstated as Space Development Agency director
Tournear was placed on administrative leave from his role on Jan. 16.
Air Force weighs plan to cancel SDA’s next set of data relay sats in favor of SpaceX: Sources
The shift was recommended by the Space Force in order to protect the service's high-priority efforts, sources told Breaking Defense.