This footage was filmed and produced 10 December 2023.

Derek M. Tournear, Director of the Space Development Agency (SDA), discussed the crucial role of satellites in achieving the Defense Department's JADC2 goals at a National Security Space Association event. The SDA aims to connect sensors to shooters globally through a proliferation of low Earth orbit satellites, ensuring beyond-line-of-sight targeting for moving targets in near real-time.

The first capability focuses on detecting and tracking hostile ships or mobile missile launchers, requiring swift fire-control solutions. The second capability shifts attention to adversaries' hypersonic glide vehicles or advanced missiles, demanding real-time detection and execution of fire-control solutions. Tournear outlined the SDA's two pillars: proliferation in low Earth orbit with hundreds of satellites and spiral development, involving annual or biennial satellite fielding to leverage technological advancements.

Tranche 0, the initial deployment in 2023, includes 10 successfully launched satellites, with Tranche 1 in September 2024 set to enable initial warfighting capability through 161 operational satellites. Subsequent tranches promise escalating capabilities, with autonomous operations envisioned by Tranche 4 in 2030.

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