GAO: Space Development Agency should be more realistic and transparent regarding missile warning satellites

2d Space Launch Squadron members simulate usage of the newly innovated Vehicle Operations Room (VOR) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., March 5, 2025. The VOR facility will support the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture mission among others. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Kadielle Shaw)

By GAO • Jan 29, 2026

The Space Development Agency (SDA) is developing space- and ground-based systems to detect and track potential missile threats in low Earth orbit. SDA aims to rapidly deliver capability and frequently update technology by delivering multiple satellites in phases, which it calls tranches, planned for contract award every 2 years. Each tranche needs to be replaced roughly 5 years after launch.

However, the Government Accountability Office found that SDA is at risk of being unable to deliver capability as quickly as planned. For example, SDA is overestimating the technology readiness of some critical elements it plans to use. This includes the spacecraft, which must be modified for the mission. As a result, contractors have performed additional unplanned work, which has added to already delayed schedules.

Additionally, SDA’s requirements process is not transparent to users. For example, SDA is not sufficiently collaborating with combatant commands, which report having insufficient insight into how SDA defines requirements and when, or whether, SDA will deliver planned capabilities. Consequently, SDA is at risk of delivering satellites that do not meet warfighter needs, GAO said.