Space Development Agency Launch

The Space Development Agency Launch (SDALCH) program is a key procurement line item within the Department of Defense (DoD) budget, managed by the United States Space Force (USSF) under the Space Procurement appropriation. The program's primary objective is to acquire launch services for the Space Development Agency (SDA), which is tasked with rapidly developing, fielding, and operating the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). SDA's mission is to deliver advanced space capabilities to joint warfighting forces, ensuring technological and military superiority in the space domain.

For Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, the SDALCH line item requests funding to procure seven launch services through the USSF National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. These launches are essential for deploying SDA space vehicles that support several critical mission layers, including the Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL), Tranche 2 Tracking Layer (T2TRK), and the Fire-control On Orbit-support-to-the-war Fighter (FOO Fighter) initiative. Each layer is designed to enhance data transport, resilient missile warning and tracking, and direct support to warfighters in orbit.

The Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) focuses on providing robust and secure data transport capabilities across the PWSA. Its goal is to ensure that joint forces have reliable, low-latency communications and connectivity in contested environments. By deploying satellites in this layer, SDA aims to support Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2), a DoD-wide initiative to integrate and synchronize operations across all military domains.

The Tranche 2 Tracking Layer (T2TRK) is dedicated to improving missile warning and tracking capabilities. Satellites in this layer are equipped with advanced sensors to detect and track missile threats, providing timely and actionable information to warfighters and decision-makers. This capability is critical for enhancing the survivability and maneuverability of U.S. forces by enabling rapid response to emerging threats.

The Fire-control On Orbit-support-to-the-war Fighter (FOO Fighter) mission is intended to deliver direct fire-control support from space assets. This involves integrating space-based sensors and communications to provide real-time targeting data and operational support to deployed forces. The objective is to increase warfighter lethality and responsiveness by leveraging space-enabled capabilities for precision engagement.

In addition to launch services, the SDALCH budget line may fund mission-specific requirements such as launch vehicle hardware, flight representative interface hardware for pre-launch integration and testing, early integration studies, and final integration analysis. These activities ensure that space vehicles are properly integrated with launch vehicles, meet interface control requirements, and are prepared for successful launch and orbit insertion operations. The budget also supports encapsulation and payload attach fitting mate operations for the integrated payload stack.

The FY 2026 request reflects a reduction for Advisory and Assistance Services, aligning with Executive Order 14222 to promote government efficiency and cost savings.