Pentagon’s New Portfolio Model Puts SDA’s Future and Transport Layer in Flux

Overview

• Space Development Agency acting director Gurpartap Sandhoo said the agency likely will not keep its current name within five years as new portfolio managers take over missions.
• The Space Force expects to lock in its portfolio boundaries within the next couple of months, setting who controls major space programs by mission area.
• Sandhoo said core missions will continue, and he confirmed SDA will deliver the first two Transport Layer tranches while the fate of a third tranche remains under review.
• Officials have discussed canceling the third tranche and possibly turning to a commercial provider such as SpaceX, though no decision has been made and a new portfolio manager would decide.
• The Transport Layer is slated to fold into a broader Space Data Network that links multiple constellations into a low‑latency data “backbone,” and any formal changes to congressionally chartered offices will require work with lawmakers, according to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.