The Space Development Agency (SDA), established in 2019 to accelerate US military space system deployment, is finally launching its initial operational satellites. However, the agency faces dissolution as Congress backs its integration into the Space Force's procurement pipeline. SDA's core mission involves a low-Earth orbit constellation, the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), designed for missile detection, tracking, and targeting.

SDA's strategy of rapid, biennial satellite "tranches" and broad industry engagement has been hampered by schedule delays, production bottlenecks, and technical issues. The data "transport" satellites, crucial for relaying information from missile-warning satellites, have experienced problems with activation, commissioning, thermal control, and propulsion during orbit raising. These issues have delayed launches and impacted the planned monthly cadence.

Despite setbacks, the SDA aims to complete its Tranche 1 constellation of 154 satellites by launching seven more, including 28 missile tracking satellites from manufacturers like Lockheed Martin. While initial warfighting capability is expected by 2027, the delays mean the enhanced missile warning system is not yet available, a capability that could have been vital during current conflicts. Gurpartap "GP" Sandhoo, director of SDA, expressed urgency, stating, "missiles are being launched at the joint force every single day."