Space Development Agency

Space Development Agency
Space Development Agency
Agency overview
FormedMarch 12, 2019 (2019-03-12)
TypeDirect reporting unit
HeadquartersThe Pentagon, Arlington County, Virginia, U.S.
38°52′16″N 77°03′22″W / 38.871°N 77.056°W / 38.871; -77.056
Motto
  • Semper Citius
  • (Latin: "Always Faster")
Agency executives
  • Derek M. Tournear, Director
  • Ryan C. Frigm, Deputy Director
Parent departmentUnited States Department of the Air Force
Parent agencyUnited States Space Force
Websitewww.sda.mil

The Space Development Agency (SDA) is a United States Space Force direct-reporting unit tasked with deploying disruptive space technology. One of the technologies being worked on is space-based missile tracking using large global satellite constellations made up of industry-procured low-cost satellites. The SDA has been managed by the United States Space Force since October 2022. By February 2024 the SDA had 38 satellites on orbit. SDA intends to have at least 1,000 satellites in low Earth orbit by 2026.