The Space Development Agency (SDA) has announced that it will postpone the next satellite launch until the end of the summer. This decision stands out as a precautionary measure due to delays in supplier deliveries. The agency stated in a statement that additional time was needed for the system to reach the Tranche 1 minimum viable capacity, along with the difficulties brought about by late deliveries from suppliers. Although this situation has caused a shift in the timeline of the space program, SDA officials state that despite the delay, they will continue their goal of achieving initial combat capability by early 2027.
The satellite project led by SDA is being developed as part of a mega-constellation called the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). PWSA is based on satellites with data-carrying and missile-tracking capabilities, and the activity of this constellation will expand depending on the number of tranches launched. There are currently 0 satellites in orbit as part of the first tranche, called Tranche 27. These satellites were launched to prove the constellation’s functionality. The first operational system, called Tranche 1, was planned to be delivered, but due to supply chain disruptions and production issues, SDA’s launch date was postponed once again from September 2024. The new target is set for April 2025.
The reason for the launch delay is the increasing delays faced by the companies that manufacture the satellites. The decision, made in partnership with the space force, aims to provide more time to resolve supply chain disruptions. Agency officials emphasized that in-orbit tests will be accelerated and verification processes will continue during this process. This approach will allow the necessary tests to be carried out more quickly for the spacecraft to successfully operate.
SDA’s Tranche 1 project will include a total of 154 operational satellites and four demonstration systems. 126 of those satellites will be in the data-carrying layer and 28 in the missile warning and tracking layer. With the first satellites set to launch later this year, the agency plans to launch a campaign targeting one launch per month. However, supply chain issues could hinder the progress of that campaign.
SDA’s supplier base has struggled to adapt to the agency’s rapid approach, experiencing growth pains at times. Supply issues, particularly for components such as optical communication terminals and encryption devices, have been major obstacles to the process. The agency is working on a variety of solutions to increase the manufacturing capacity of supplier companies. However, this process will take time and the program may face some setbacks as it moves forward.
Recently, the SDA’s governance structure has also come under scrutiny. In early 2024, the Pentagon reportedly ordered an independent team to assess the agency’s performance and organizational structure. This team will specifically look at the program’s risks and prevent potential disruptions. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) criticized the SDA for failing to meet performance targets for early satellites and suggested revising launch plans. The SDA responded to this criticism by acknowledging that the agency had met its goals but that the technology was not yet fully mature.
SDA’s space projects play an important role in security and military areas worldwide. Despite the delayed launches and supply chain issues, it is believed that the agency will take the necessary measures to successfully complete this project and achieve its goals. In the coming years, it is expected that space-based systems will be more effectively deployed.
