The U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency (SDA) is building a revolutionary new satellite constellation called the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). Formerly known as the National Defense Space Architecture, the PWSA aims to provide resilient, low-latency surveillance and data transport capabilities to enable the U.S. military to deter adversaries and win future conflicts. The PWSA represents a major leap forward in space-based tactical communications and sensing.
Background and Mission
Established in 2019, the SDA was tasked with rapidly developing and fielding next-generation space capabilities to maintain U.S. military dominance in space. The PWSA is the agency’s flagship initiative to achieve this mission. It seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional military satellite architectures, which rely on small numbers of large, expensive, and vulnerable spacecraft in high orbits like geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO).
In contrast, the PWSA will consist of hundreds of smaller, cheaper satellites in low earth orbit (LEO), working together as a resilient mesh network. The proliferated architecture is designed to be resistant to attacks and provide “constant custody” of targets on earth. As SDA Director Derek Tournear explained, “A national security space architecture that provides the persistent, resilient, global, low-latency surveillance needed to deter or, if deterrence fails, defeat adversary action is a prerequisite to maintaining our long-term competitive advantage.”
Architecture Overview
The PWSA is divided into several layers, each providing different capabilities:
The various layers will be deployed in stages called “tranches” every two years. Tranche 0 in 2023 is a demonstration aimed at proving out the architecture’s feasibility. Tranche 1 in 2024 will provide initial warfighting capabilities. Subsequent tranches will expand coverage and add new capabilities.
Key Capabilities and Benefits
The PWSA promises several key benefits for military operations:
Beyond-Line-of-Sight Communications
One of the PWSA’s most important capabilities is extending tactical data links beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS). In November 2023, the SDA successfully demonstrated transmitting Link-16 messages, the U.S. military’s primary tactical data network, from satellites in orbit to ground receivers for the first time. This allows sensors and shooters anywhere in the world to share data in real-time, a key enabler for the Pentagon’s vision of Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2).
Advanced Missile Warning and Tracking
The PWSA’s Tracking Layer will provide significant improvements in missile warning compared to existing Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) satellites in GEO. The lower orbits and proliferated architecture enable better sensitivity and tracking of advanced threats like hypersonic missiles. Earlier detection and tracking allows more time for defenses to engage incoming missiles.
Tactical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
The PWSA will provide persistent overhead surveillance of areas of interest to military commanders. The Custody Layer in particular will focus on maintaining custody of mobile, time-sensitive targets to enable rapid targeting. Electro-optical and infrared sensors will provide real-time intelligence to troops in the field.
Resilient, Assured Global Connectivity
With potentially thousands of satellites communicating via laser links, the PWSA’s Transport Layer will form a resilient, high-bandwidth global data network. This will provide unprecedented connectivity to forces in any environment, even when traditional communications are disrupted. The optical inter-satellite links are highly secure and resistant to jamming.
Acquisition and Deployment Approach
To enable the rapid development and deployment of the PWSA, the SDA is using a unique acquisition approach called spiral development. Rather than spending years developing complex, exquisite satellites, the SDA is buying simpler, commercial-grade satellites in large numbers.
New tranches are acquired every two years, allowing the latest commercial technology to be incorporated. This approach allows capabilities to be fielded quickly to address emerging threats. It also creates a resilient architecture that can suffer losses and still function.
The first PWSA satellites of Tranche 0 were launched in 2023 to demonstrate the Transport and Tracking layers. Tranche 1 in 2024 will provide regional persistence and initial warfighting capability. Tranche 2 in 2026 will expand to global coverage. Further tranches in 2028 and beyond will continue to add new capabilities.
Challenges and The Future
Developing the PWSA is an ambitious undertaking not without challenges. Integrating diverse satellites and payloads into a unified architecture is complex. Developing and scaling up new technologies like optical inter-satellite links also has technical risks.
However, the SDA has shown good progress so far with its spiral development approach and early demonstrations. If successful, the PWSA could revolutionize military space operations and be a key enabler for multi-domain operations.
Looking ahead, the SDA plans to continue rapidly expanding the PWSA’s capabilities and capacity with new tranches every two years. By the 2030s, the PWSA could grow to a constellation of thousands of satellites, providing unparalleled global coverage and connectivity for U.S. and allied forces. It may also take on additional missions like space domain awareness.
Conclusion
The Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture represents a bold new approach to military space systems. Leveraging proliferated low earth orbit constellations, commercial technology, and spiral development, the PWSA aims to provide assured global connectivity, advanced missile warning, and persistent tactical surveillance to the warfighter.
While challenges remain, the PWSA could be a game-changer for military operations in an increasingly information-driven, multi-domain battlespace. As it continues to evolve and expand in the coming years, the PWSA will be a key asset for the U.S. Space Force to deter and if necessary defeat future adversaries. It showcases how innovative architectures and acquisition models can deliver cutting-edge capabilities to the warfighter faster than ever before.
