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Space

Second Batch of SDA Tranche 1, Transport Layer Satellites Launched

Frank Wolfe

Thursday, October 16th, 2025

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Second Batch of SDA Tranche 1, Transport Layer Satellites Launched

Pictured is a SpaceX Falcon 9 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. just before the Wednesday launch of Tranche 1, Transport Layer satellites (SpaceX Photo)

The second batch of U.S. Space Force Space Development Agency (SDA) Tranche 1, Transport Layer communications satellites launched on Wednesday from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried the 21 Lockheed Martin [LMT] satellites. Last month, a Falcon 9 launched the first Tranche 1, Transport Layer satellites---21 by York Space Systems--from Vandenberg (Defense Daily, Sept. 10). Space Force and SDA public affairs offices have been on a shoestring since the Oct. 1st federal shutdown, and neither…

Pentagon

Hegseth Acknowledges Potential $200 Billion Iran Supplemental Request, Final Figure ‘Could Move’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday acknowledged the Pentagon could potentially ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding to support the ongoing operation against Iran and replenish munitions used […]

Congress

Counter-Drone Flyaway Kit Used In U.S. In Early Hours Of Iran Strikes, NORTHCOM Head Says

U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) used a counter small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) flyaway kit (FAK) in the early hours of the strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, according to Air […]

Army

Army Taking ‘More Refined’ Approach On Push For Right To Repair Reforms, Obadal Says

After lawmakers decided against including major “right to repair” reforms in the latest defense policy bill, a senior Army official has said the service is continuing its push for authorities […]

Unmanned Systems

Counter-Drone Needs Will Be Addressed In Next NDAA Based On Iran War Lessons, Banks Says

A Republican senator on Armed Services Committee on Thursday said that defending against Iranian drones has been challenge for U.S. warfighters and will be an area of focus in the […]