Space Development Agency Faces Challenges in Missile Warning Satellites Program

The Space Development Agency’s Tracking Layer program is facing challenges due to overestimation of technology readiness, according to a new report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The agency has awarded contracts worth $4.7 billion for 101 satellites, but GAO finds that these satellites are expected to have only a five-year lifetime and that SDA does not know the life-cycle cost to deliver missile warning and tracking capabilities. The report also highlights issues with the requirements process and the need for more transparency and collaboration with warfighter participants.