Space Force Acquisition Shake-Up: SDA's Transport Layer to Transition to New Leadership

Acting SDA head Gurpartap Sandhoo says the communications layer will eventually move under the Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Space-Based Sensing and Targeting.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:33am

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A highly detailed 3D illustration of a complex, glowing satellite network in orbit, with pulsing neon blue and magenta lights illuminating the futuristic hardware and digital infrastructure, conceptually representing the advanced technology powering the Space Force's acquisition modernization.An artist's interpretation of the next-generation satellite communications network powering the Space Force's evolving acquisition strategy.Colorado Springs Today

As part of the Space Force's restructuring of its acquisition process, the communications layer of the Space Development Agency's (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) will eventually transition to new leadership, according to Gurpartap 'GP' Sandhoo, the acting head of SDA. Sandhoo said the Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) for Space-Based Sensing and Targeting will take over responsibility for the Transport Layer once that office is operational.

Why it matters

This move is part of the Space Force's broader effort to streamline and empower its acquisition structure, with the creation of six new PAEs given more authority to flexibly manage program funding and deliver capabilities. The future of SDA itself remains uncertain, as reports have circulated that the agency could eventually be absorbed into the Space Systems Command (SSC), which has broader acquisition responsibilities.

The details

SDA currently has responsibility for Tranche 1 and 2 of the Transport Layer efforts, and has paused the Tranche 3 Transport Layer. Sandhoo said he is unsure of the future of Tranche 3. SDA has already launched Transport Layer satellites for the experimental Tranche 0 and the start of Tranche 1, though the Tranche 1 launches have been on pause since last November. Sandhoo said they are targeting a restart of those launches this May or June.

  • SDA has paused the Tranche 3 Transport Layer, with Sandhoo unsure of its future.
  • The Tranche 1 Transport Layer launches have been on pause since last November, but Sandhoo said they are targeting a restart this May or June.

The players

Gurpartap 'GP' Sandhoo

The acting head of the Space Development Agency (SDA).

Pete Hegseth

The Defense Secretary who directed the creation of six Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs) to empower acquisition executives within the military services.

Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant

The commander of the Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC).

Space Development Agency (SDA)

The agency responsible for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and its Transport Layer efforts.

Space Systems Command (SSC)

The Space Force organization with broader acquisition responsibilities that could potentially absorb the SDA.

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What they’re saying

“So, when they come up the requirements for what the warfighter needs, they'll be picking up that piece of that.”

— Gurpartap 'GP' Sandhoo, Acting head of SDA

“Five years from now the names of the organization will be different than what you see today. There probably won't be SDA or Space RCO (Rapid Capabilities Office) or SSC. There'll be something else. What that ends up looking like, you know, is TBD.”

— Gurpartap 'GP' Sandhoo, Acting head of SDA

What’s next

The Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) for Space-Based Sensing and Targeting is expected to become operational and take over responsibility for the Transport Layer from SDA in the near future.

The takeaway

This transition of the Transport Layer to new leadership is part of the Space Force's broader efforts to streamline and empower its acquisition structure, with the creation of specialized PAEs given more authority. However, the long-term future of the SDA itself remains uncertain, as it could potentially be absorbed into the Space Systems Command.