The head of the Space Development Agency, Derek Tournear, aims to demonstrate space-to-ground Link 16 connectivity over the U.S. by the end of the year pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Link 16 is a critical military signal for real-time data exchange among U.S. forces, NATO, and international allies.
SDA has been collaborating with the FAA to secure permission to test Link 16 over national airspace, with the goal of ensuring compatibility features to avoid interference with radio navigation aids. The Defense Department established SDA in 2019 to build a constellation of low Earth orbit transport and missile tracking satellites under the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
After launching its first satellites in April, SDA has 27 satellites in orbit equipped to communicate through Link 16 and optical inter-satellite links for data sharing. The agency is gearing up for its next launches, expected to begin in September from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, launching approximately 161 satellites.
SDA has conducted initial tests over international waters, transmitting signals from low Earth orbit to an international test site, with support from the Air Force’s 46th Test Squadron. The agency is committed to expanding and demonstrating the capabilities of its satellite constellation as it prepares for upcoming launches.
