Software Readiness Issue Pushes Next SDA Launch To 2026

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Base, Calif., Sept. 10, 2025. It carried 21 Tranche 1 Transport Layer space vehicles, which will provide low-latency communication links to support the warfighter with a resilient network of integrated capabilities, including tracking of advanced missile threats, enabled by beyond-line-of-sight tactical data links from low-Earth orbit. Credit: SpaceX

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Base, California, on Sept. 10. It carried 21 Tranche 1 Transport Layer space vehicles, which will provide low-latency communication links to support warfighters with a resilient network of integrated capabilities, including tracking of advanced missile threats, enabled by beyond-line-of-sight tactical data links from low Earth orbit.

Credit: SpaceX
After two successful launches in back-to-back months, the third Space Development Agency (SDA) Tranche 1 mission will not launch until 2026, a spokesperson confirmed Dec. 5. The SDA launched the first orbital plane of Tranche 1 Transport Layer satellites on Sept. 10 and the second plane on Oct. 15...
Vivienne Machi

Vivienne Machi is the military space editor for Aviation Week based in Los Angeles.

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