York Space Systems Delivers 21 Satellites for SDA's September Launch, Boosting Military Communication Network

August 25, 2025
York Space Systems Delivers 21 Satellites for SDA's September Launch, Boosting Military Communication Network
  • York Space Systems has delivered all 21 Transport Layer satellites for the Space Development Agency's (SDA) upcoming launch, which is scheduled for September 10 from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

  • These satellites are the first non-prototype units intended to enhance military operations by enabling rapid sensor-to-shooter communication, marking a significant step in developing a resilient, space-based military communications network.

  • The launch aims to initiate a multi-month campaign to deploy a total of 126 data transport and 28 missile warning and tracking satellites into low Earth orbit, significantly boosting global military connectivity.

  • This deployment is part of SDA's broader effort to create a resilient, persistent satellite network for military applications, including the development of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

  • The SDA's transport constellation is designed to serve as the backbone for linking various systems across different domains to support warfighting capabilities.

  • Several defense contracts have been awarded to various companies, including BAE Systems for $48 million to develop advanced communication-electronics technologies, and others supporting different military and space projects.

  • York is supporting five space projects this year, including the experimental Dragoon satellite, NASA’s BARD communication satellite, and additional SDA transport satellite launches planned for late 2025.

  • York is a major contractor for the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, building 136 small satellites across three phases, with 10 already launched in the first phase, Tranche 0.

  • Alongside Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, York is responsible for developing the first operational tranche of the Space Force’s data transport satellites.

  • The satellites are part of the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, marking the first deployment of this military network, which was originally scheduled for 2024 but delayed to 2025 due to supplier issues.

  • The launch, which will use a Falcon 9 rocket, is scheduled for no earlier than September 10, 2025, with the initial constellation expected to be operational by 2027.

  • This mission will deploy 21 spacecraft built by York Space Systems, representing a major milestone in SDA's efforts to develop a resilient space-based military communication infrastructure.

Summary based on 3 sources


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