The U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) announced on March 7th that the launch of its ambitious Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) program, designed for global communications and missile tracking, will be delayed. Initially targeted for September 2024, launches are now projected to commence in late summer 2025.
Over 150 satellites are planned for deployment by the end of 2027, forming a mesh network for secure communications and space-based military support. “The PWSA Tranche 1 launch campaign is now anticipated to begin in late summer 2025 and continue on a pace of approximately one launch per month until the entire Tranche 1 Transport and Tracking constellations are on orbit,” an SDA spokesperson stated. This marks a delay of nearly a year.
The SDA faces challenges including a leadership change, supply chain disruptions, and concerns raised by government watchdogs regarding the program’s technical readiness. Despite these setbacks, the agency is committed to full operational capability by early 2027, with initial satellite testing slated for completion by mid-2026. “It has become clear additional time is required for system readiness to meet the Tranche 1 minimum viable capability,” the spokesperson added.
The PWSA represents a significant shift from traditional military satellite networks, employing a mesh network of smaller, interconnected satellites with optical inter-satellite links. A Government Accountability Office report questioned the decision to proceed with Tranche 1 before comprehensive testing of laser communication technology, but the SDA defended its approach.
In February 2022, SDA awarded $1.8 billion in contracts for the Transport Layer to Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and York Space Systems, and an additional $1.3 billion to L3Harris and Northrop Grumman for the Tracking Layer in July 2022. An SDA official expressed confidence in vendor delivery despite supply chain difficulties impacting optical terminals, propulsion systems, and encryption devices.
The delay coincides with internal turbulence at SDA, including the January administrative leave of former director Derek Tournear. However, Gen. Michael Guetlein, U.S. Space Force vice chief of space operations, expressed support, stating at a recent conference that the SDA is “our lightning rod for cultural change,” acknowledging challenges but emphasizing a bright future for the program.