Space Science and Technology Research and Development

Mission — Space Science and Technology Research and Development source

The Space Development Agency (SDA) is developing and demonstrating next generation space capabilities for the joint warfighter enabled by proliferation of satellites and a new acquisition model utilizing rapid spiral development. SDA is developing capabilities to address a wide range of Department of Defense (DoD) space needs as stated in the National Defense Strategy and DoD Space Vision, including low-latency tactical communication, beyond line of sight targeting, and advanced missile tracking. Specifically, SDA will demonstrate and field persistent, resilient capabilities needed to be responsive to emerging multi-domain threats against the U.S. national interest. SDA is responsible for the overall programmatic development and execution of a Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). In coordination with other DoD Space stakeholders, SDA will drive the development of space capabilities to achieve the DoD Space Vision and reduce overlap and inefficiency. SDA will expand the DoD's space warfighting capability and foster growth in the U.S. space industrial base, by developing enhanced government-commercial relationships and international collaborations with key allies and partners. While SDA is not responsible for building and fielding all capabilities within the PWSA, the Agency is responsible for orchestrating and architecting the PWSA and ensuring capability delivery to the warfighter following a spiral development approach. As part of the PWSA, SDA is building and fielding the Transport Layer, a proliferated constellation of satellites to provide low-latency, beyond line of sight (BLOS), high-volume data transport for the warfighter. This Transport Layer will provide the space-based connectivity backbone for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). The establishment of a proliferated data Transport Layer is essential to developing a new and responsive space architecture. SDA will integrate additional constellations with this Transport Layer to provide multiple warfighting capabilities, such as advanced missile warning, 24/7/365 custody of time critical targets, and alternative position, navigation and timing (APNT) capabilities in navigation warfare (NAVWAR) resilient environments. This program element funds the research and development activity to deliver capabilities to U.S. joint warfighting forces in two-year tranches, which began in FY 2022, including performing trade studies, technical analyses, or modeling and simulation; identifying and maturing enabling technologies; defining and conducting risk reduction experiments and demonstrations, prototyping hardware or software systems; and exploring novel concepts for future warfighting capabilities. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses and contractor support required to facilitate delivery of the PWSA capability. The FY 2026 cost of the Tranche 1 (T1) Transport Layer Middle Tier of Acquisition effort is reflected in the budget request, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The Department will certify Future Years Defense Program funding in a future budget submission. The FY 2026 cost of the Tranche 2 (T2) Transport Layer Middle Tier of Acquisition effort is included in the budget request, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The Department will certify Future Years Defense Program funding in a future budget submission. This program is in Budget Activity 3, Advanced Technology Development because this budget activity includes development of subsystems and components and efforts to integrate subsystems and components into system prototypes for field experiments and/or tests in a simulated environment.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (1)