The Space Development Agency (SDA) is resolutely proceeding with its satellite acquisition plans, even amidst internal conflicts and increased oversight following the dismissal of its former director. The agency's missile-tracking program, a cornerstone of the Trump administration's ambitious "Iron Dome for America" missile defense initiative, remains the agency's central focus. SDA, a six-year-old agency under the U.S. Space Force, is actively pursuing the acquisition of 54 additional satellites for its low Earth orbit missile defense tracking system.
Simultaneously, the SDA is re-evaluating a separate contract for 10 satellites after a Department of the Air Force review revealed procedural irregularities in the initial award process. The agency's procurement strategies are under intense examination as defense leaders assess their alignment with long-term national security objectives.
The recent upheaval at SDA began last month with the administrative leave of its former director, Derek Tournear, following an internal Department of the Air Force investigation triggered by a bid protest. Viasat challenged SDA's $424 million contract awards to York Space Systems and Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems (now Terran Orbital). The Department of the Air Force review, concluded January 10, found that SDA’s actions violated the Procurement Integrity Act. While York’s $170 million contract remains intact, Terran Orbital’s award was revoked, leading to the re-competition of the 10 satellites under new supervision.
In court filings on February 14, the Department of the Air Force confirmed the 10 satellites’ continued mission-criticality, despite anticipated delays and additional expenses from the re-competition. An SDA spokesperson stated, “Acquisitions and programs are moving forward,” and confirmed plans to issue a new solicitation for the 10 satellites soon.
Concurrently, SDA is moving forward with a significant satellite acquisition: a 54-satellite procurement for the Tranche 3 Tracking Layer of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). This expands upon earlier tranches, enhancing real-time threat detection. The spokesperson added, “The first Tranche 3 solicitation recently hit the street, and additional drafts and solicitations are forthcoming. The SDA team remains focused on delivering next-generation capabilities to the warfighter with speed and discipline. We understand the importance of delivering these capabilities as quickly as possible.”
Beyond the Air Force’s review, the Office of the Secretary of Defense has commissioned an independent assessment of SDA’s operations. Steven Morani, acting undersecretary for acquisition and sustainment, explained in a January 31 memo that this is due to the “criticality of the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture support to joint warfighters.” The review will assess SDA’s organizational performance, acquisition methods, and its ability to fulfill PWSA objectives amid the ongoing disruptions. The agency’s use of Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements may also be examined.