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GAO: SDA Tranche Achievement of MVP Could Help Save Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in Decade

GAO: SDA Tranche Achievement of MVP Could Help Save Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in Decade
On Dec. 1, 2023, German-based TESAT said that it had delivered optical communications terminals (OCTs) to Space Development Agency prime contractor Lockheed Martin for integration on 42 small satellites for SDA’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer (TESAT Graphic)

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) contends that achieving the minimum viable product (MVP) standard for two-year satellite tranches could help save the U.S. Space Force Space Development Agency (SDA) hundreds of millions of dollars over 10 years. "In February 2025, GAO made three recommendations for the Air Force to demonstrate the minimum viable product for laser communications capability in space Tranche 0, 1, and 2 before proceeding with subsequent launch decisions," according to GAO's just-issued annual report on duplication within…

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