Space Science and Technology Research and Development

The Space Development Agency (SDA) is developing and demonstrating the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Transport Layer (Project 634869) for Guardians across the Combat Support, Satellite Communications, Operations, and Warfighting mission areas. As a result, the Service will improve readiness and operational reach of existing force structure and continue to advance all near term effects. SDA is rapidly developing and demonstrating next generation space capabilities for the joint warfighter enabled by proliferation of satellites and an expedited acquisition model utilizing rapid spiral development. SDA is advancing a proliferated space architecture to address a wide range of Department of War (DoW) space needs aligned with the United States Space Force Space Warfighting Framework, including low-latency tactical communication, beyond line of sight targeting, and advanced missile tracking. In coordination with Combatant Commands and other DoW Space stakeholders, 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 DoW Space stakeholders, SDA will drive the development of space capabilities, which align with the United States Space Force Space Warfighting Framework and reduce overlap and inefficiency. SDA will expand the DoW's capacity in leveraging the space environment while fostering growth in the U.S. space industrial base through enhanced government-commercial relationships and international collaborations with key allies and partners. Within the PWSA framework, SDA is responsible for orchestrating and architecting the PWSA and ensuring capability delivery to the warfighter in a responsive manner, delivering tactical communications, resilient sensing, and battle management. As part of the PWSA, SDA is building and fielding the Transport Layer using a proliferated constellation of satellites to provide tactical data to the warfighter. This Transport Layer will provide space-based connectivity for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). The establishment of a proliferated data Transport Layer is essential to enabling a new and responsive space architecture.