Space Systems Command (SSC) recently assigned twelve FY23 National Security Space (NSS) launch service missions under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement contract. Six missions were awarded to Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) for the Space Development Agency (SDA) Tranche 1 Tracking Layer (T1TL)-B, SDA T1TL-C, SDA T1TL-D, SDA T1TL-E, SDA T1TR-C, and the U.S. Space Force (USSF)-31. Six other missions were awarded to United Launch Alliance (ULA) for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)L-64 and NROL-83, the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) III-08, SDA T1TR-B, SDA T1TR-D, and USSF-114.
There are four SDA Tranche 1 Transport Layer launches. SDA�s Transport Layer will provide assured, resilient, low-latency military data and connectivity worldwide to the full range of warfighter platforms. These are the second through fifth launches planned for the Tranche 1 Transport Layer. They will launch using Falcon 9 rockets from the Western range into polar orbit.
ULA and SpaceX continue to provide outstanding launch services with their reliable and innovative launch systems, and we are confident in their ability to maintain the unprecedented 100 percent program success for the NSSL missions assigned for launch in FY25.
Quote from: AndrewM on 09/29/2024 12:41 amThere was an industry day help for Lane 1 in August. It includes the NRO, SDA, and USSF planned contract awards & launches. https://sam.gov/opp/7111789df59149cd81596402c35e33d3/viewAs part of the industry day, the launch schedule for Tranche 1 through Tranche 5 was provided (page 30). It shows Tranche 1 Transport Layer launches starting in FY25 Q3 (April 2025) with three T1TL flights that quarter. Page 12 also identifies that the next NSSL mission for Falcon 9 is T1TL-B (page 12) so this should be the second flight now.
There was an industry day help for Lane 1 in August. It includes the NRO, SDA, and USSF planned contract awards & launches. https://sam.gov/opp/7111789df59149cd81596402c35e33d3/view
Still tracking to restart launches in the Spring.https://www.satellitetoday.com/government-military/2024/11/20/tournear-majority-of-dod-systems-could-use-sda-acquisition-approach/ [Nov 20]QuoteDuring Tuesday�s virtual Mitchell forum, Tournear also said that SDA plans to launch its first Tranche 1 satellites over 10 months beginning next March or April, about six months behind schedule. Tranche 1 is to feature the first operational military satellites in the SDA Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture effort. Contracts for the Tranche 1, Transport Layer are York Space Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, while L3Harris Technologies is developing missile tracking satellites for the SDA Tranche 1, Tracking Layer.SDA wanted to begin Tranche 1 launches in September, but launch provider delays, vendor problems with building the satellites� optical communication terminals, and production and National Security Agency certification issues with encryption devices led to the schedule slippage.
During Tuesday�s virtual Mitchell forum, Tournear also said that SDA plans to launch its first Tranche 1 satellites over 10 months beginning next March or April, about six months behind schedule. Tranche 1 is to feature the first operational military satellites in the SDA Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture effort. Contracts for the Tranche 1, Transport Layer are York Space Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, while L3Harris Technologies is developing missile tracking satellites for the SDA Tranche 1, Tracking Layer.SDA wanted to begin Tranche 1 launches in September, but launch provider delays, vendor problems with building the satellites� optical communication terminals, and production and National Security Agency certification issues with encryption devices led to the schedule slippage.
Check back for updates as we approach the launch campaign. We�re looking forward to exciting content from Tranche 1 launch at Vandenberg Space Force Base this summer!#SemperCitius #Space #Defense #Satellites
SES-STA-INTR2025-02027 [Apr 22]Quote from: ExhASTANarrativeV1Kongsberg Satellite Services AS (�KSAT�) provides this information pursuant to Section 25.120 of the Commission�s rules to supplement its request for a 180-day special temporary authorization (�STA�) for its earth station in Fairbanks, Alaska (�Station�) in order to support launch and early orbit-phase operations (�LEOPs�) of USPWSA-T1TL satellites supplied by York Space Systems (�Satellites�). [...]The Satellites will be launched in two batches, 21 satellites per launch, with the first launch expected to occur no earlier than June 30, 2025. The second launch may also occur within the 180-day STA period. The requested STA is expected to cover LEOPs for the two satellite launches. LEOPs for the Satellites is expected to take 90 to 120 days post-launch.The Satellites will be in a 1,000 km circular non-geostationary orbit, inclined at 81.3 degrees.
Kongsberg Satellite Services AS (�KSAT�) provides this information pursuant to Section 25.120 of the Commission�s rules to supplement its request for a 180-day special temporary authorization (�STA�) for its earth station in Fairbanks, Alaska (�Station�) in order to support launch and early orbit-phase operations (�LEOPs�) of USPWSA-T1TL satellites supplied by York Space Systems (�Satellites�). [...]The Satellites will be launched in two batches, 21 satellites per launch, with the first launch expected to occur no earlier than June 30, 2025. The second launch may also occur within the 180-day STA period. The requested STA is expected to cover LEOPs for the two satellite launches. LEOPs for the Satellites is expected to take 90 to 120 days post-launch.The Satellites will be in a 1,000 km circular non-geostationary orbit, inclined at 81.3 degrees.
�They should start their launches this summer, or toward the tail end of this summer,� said Major Gen. Stephen Purdy, acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, during a House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on May 14.
SES-STA-INTR2025-02681 [May 23]QuoteKongsberg Satellite Services AS (�KSAT�) provides this information pursuant to Section 25.120 of the Commission�s rules1 to supplement its request for a 180-day special temporary authorization (�STA�) for its earth station in Fairbanks, Alaska (�Station�) in order to support launch and early orbit-phase operations (�LEOPs�) of USPWSA-T1TL satellites supplied by Lockheed Martin Corporation (�Satellites�). [...]The Satellites will be launched in two batches, 21 satellites per launch, with the first launch expected to occur no earlier than August 13, 2025. The second launch may also occur within the 180-day STA period. The requested STA is expected to cover LEOPs for the two satellite launches. LEOPs for the Satellites is expected to take 90 to 120 days post-launch. The Satellites will be in a 1,000 km circular non-geostationary orbit, inclined at 81.3 degrees.
Kongsberg Satellite Services AS (�KSAT�) provides this information pursuant to Section 25.120 of the Commission�s rules1 to supplement its request for a 180-day special temporary authorization (�STA�) for its earth station in Fairbanks, Alaska (�Station�) in order to support launch and early orbit-phase operations (�LEOPs�) of USPWSA-T1TL satellites supplied by Lockheed Martin Corporation (�Satellites�). [...]The Satellites will be launched in two batches, 21 satellites per launch, with the first launch expected to occur no earlier than August 13, 2025. The second launch may also occur within the 180-day STA period. The requested STA is expected to cover LEOPs for the two satellite launches. LEOPs for the Satellites is expected to take 90 to 120 days post-launch. The Satellites will be in a 1,000 km circular non-geostationary orbit, inclined at 81.3 degrees.
The GAO's Weapon Systems Annual Assessment was released today (June 11). As of early this year launch was planned for this summer but before August.QuoteRather, SDA refers to these satellites as fieldable prototypes and is planning to launch its first T1TL satellites in summer 2025. This is a delay from the original planned launch date of September 2024, which program officials attribute to unexpected supply chain challenges.QuoteSDA plans to conduct operational testing in August 2025 for T1TL and in December 2026 for T2TL.QuoteThis year, they reported that SDA plans to involve end users in August 2025. QuoteFor example, T1TL requires more than 500 optical communications terminals for the constellation�s 126 satellites. However, officials reported that in January 2025, the program had received 20 terminals. Officials stated that this contributed to the delay of the program�s first planned launch of T1TL satellites. SDA said it provided additional funding to the terminal developers to increase production.[Page 182/Sheet 192]
Rather, SDA refers to these satellites as fieldable prototypes and is planning to launch its first T1TL satellites in summer 2025. This is a delay from the original planned launch date of September 2024, which program officials attribute to unexpected supply chain challenges.
SDA plans to conduct operational testing in August 2025 for T1TL and in December 2026 for T2TL.
This year, they reported that SDA plans to involve end users in August 2025.
For example, T1TL requires more than 500 optical communications terminals for the constellation�s 126 satellites. However, officials reported that in January 2025, the program had received 20 terminals. Officials stated that this contributed to the delay of the program�s first planned launch of T1TL satellites. SDA said it provided additional funding to the terminal developers to increase production.
A Space Development Agency spokesperson said June 11 in a statement to SpaceNews that SDA �is on track to launch the first Tranche 1 satellites of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture by the end of this summer.�
The company also has two SDA Transport Layer flights � the first in July and a second at the end of the year.
The FY26 RDTE PBR shows the 1st 3 T1TL launches are still planned for FY25 which aligns with York in July, Lockheed in August, and Northrop in September. It then states the remaining 3 will occur in FY26. All 4 T1TRK planes are scheduled to launch in FY26.
With 17-3 (July 18), TRACERS (July 22), and 17-2 (July 25) having confirmed dates with a T1TL launch publicly targeting July, I think it's safe to say this is now NET August.
The first launch of Tranche 1 is scheduled for the next few weeks, said Sandhoo, almost a year behind schedule.
Where can I find the schedule for T1TL-B and -D launches? Recently at Space Park for our Bring Your Child to Work Day, my neighbor's daughter signed her name to a foil plaque that will be going into space and I wanted to watch the launch with her.Thanks,Joe
Quote from: JoeRockman on 08/10/2025 05:51 pmWhere can I find the schedule for T1TL-B and -D launches? Recently at Space Park for our Bring Your Child to Work Day, my neighbor's daughter signed her name to a foil plaque that will be going into space and I wanted to watch the launch with her.Thanks,JoeWe don't have firm dates. Previously, SDA indicated that T1TL-B would be the 1st Tranche 1 launch and then recently stated that the first launch is a few weeks away & with the confirmed SpaceX California schedule it looks like the 1st launch will be in Late August. If both of those are still true it looks like T1TL-B should be NET Late August. My understanding is that the 6 T1TL launches are broken down by Satellite manufacturer. I think T1TL-B & T1TL-E are York, T1TL-A & T1TL-D are Lockheed, and T1TL-C & T1TL-F are Northrop but not confident and would welcome any correction.
Yes, You are Correct. And T1TL-B is planned for NET 10 September
Quote from: Abdullah Hussain on 08/16/2025 04:00 amYes, You are Correct. And T1TL-B is planned for NET 10 SeptemberNET 10 September (source) is the date for the first T1TL launch. How do we know that the first is named T1TL-B, not T1TL-A?
Here is the latest which puts T1TL-B launching before T1TL-A and targeting March/April.Quote from: AndrewM on 09/29/2024 03:03 amQuote from: AndrewM on 09/29/2024 12:41 amThere was an industry day help for Lane 1 in August. It includes the NRO, SDA, and USSF planned contract awards & launches. https://sam.gov/opp/7111789df59149cd81596402c35e33d3/viewAs part of the industry day, the launch schedule for Tranche 1 through Tranche 5 was provided (page 30). It shows Tranche 1 Transport Layer launches starting in FY25 Q3 (April 2025) with three T1TL flights that quarter. Page 12 also identifies that the next NSSL mission for Falcon 9 is T1TL-B (page 12) so this should be the second flight now. Quote from: AndrewM on 12/02/2024 04:51 pmStill tracking to restart launches in the Spring.https://www.satellitetoday.com/government-military/2024/11/20/tournear-majority-of-dod-systems-could-use-sda-acquisition-approach/ [Nov 20]QuoteDuring Tuesday�s virtual Mitchell forum, Tournear also said that SDA plans to launch its first Tranche 1 satellites over 10 months beginning next March or April, about six months behind schedule. Tranche 1 is to feature the first operational military satellites in the SDA Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture effort. Contracts for the Tranche 1, Transport Layer are York Space Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, while L3Harris Technologies is developing missile tracking satellites for the SDA Tranche 1, Tracking Layer.SDA wanted to begin Tranche 1 launches in September, but launch provider delays, vendor problems with building the satellites� optical communication terminals, and production and National Security Agency certification issues with encryption devices led to the schedule slippage.
