SpaceX to launch 21 SDA satellites for U.S. Space Force

SpaceX is scheduled to launch 21 data transport satellites for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency (SDA) via a Falcon 9 rocket. The mission, designated Tranche 1 Transport Layer A (T1TL-A), will depart from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg.

These satellites are part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a distributed constellation designed to provide continuous orbital observation, missile tracking, and secure communications for the U.S. military and its allies. Unlike single large satellites, this architecture utilizes multiple distributed nodes to ensure persistent coverage and rapid data delivery to warfighters.

The mission is part of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 contract. Following liftoff, SpaceX plans to land the first-stage booster, B1103, at Landing Zone 4 within 7.5 minutes.