SDA launches inaugural T1DES test satellite into orbit

York Space Systems' Dragoon spacecraft undergoing vibration environmental testing. (York Space Systems)

A prototype test and experimentation satellite has been launched into orbit, paving the way for new demonstrations of key advanced targeting, missile warning, and tactical data transport capabilities for the US Space Development Agency's (SDA's) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).

The prototype test satellite launched on 23 June is the first of a planned 12 risk reduction satellites developed under SDA's Tranche 1 Demonstration and Experimentation System (T1DES) constellation, according to a 24 June agency statement.

“T1DES [satellites] will demonstrate mission payloads and configurations for potential proliferation … in an effort to lower latency of tactical data delivery and enhance beyond line-of-sight targeting capability,” SDA Director Derek Tournear said in the statement.

The 23 June launch was four months ahead of the initial launch date set by SDA officials, Tournear said, adding the T1DES launch came ahead of the anticipated first launch of the operational variants of Tranche 1 PWSA satellites.

The inaugural T1DES prototype satellite took to orbit aboard a SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, as part of the company's Transporter-14 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The remaining 11 T1DES satellite vehicles are tentatively planned for launch in fiscal year (FY) 2026, SDA officials said.

Like the T1DES satellite launched on 24 June 2025, the other test and experimentation satellites in the T1DES constellation will carry out advanced tactical satellite communications (TACSATCOM) demonstrations, as well as “conduct demonstrations and experimentation of … advanced waveforms, and Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS) capabilities, which are key for future connectivity of joint warfighters around the globe”, agency officials said in the statement.

T1DES development