SDA resumes Tranche 1 launches after technical pause; transport layer 50% deployed

Space Development Agency/Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (Tranche 1)

SpaceX launched 21 Tranche 1 satellites on July 16, 2026, resuming operations after a nine-month pause to address software and hardware issues. With this batch, the transport layer reached approximately 50% deployment. SDA Director Gurpartap Sandhoo stated the constellation checkout process had accelerated twofold through hardware and software improvements.

• July 16 launch carried 21 York Space Systems transport layer satellites via Falcon 9.
• Pause caused by thermal discrepancies and satellites not connecting with ground entry points.
• Checkout of satellites improved by factor of 2–3 with recent hardware and software fixes.
• Transport layer continues monthly launch cadence targeting 2027 completion.