The Space Development Agency and the Future of Defense Space Acquisitions

SDA is creating a model for rapid acquisition with distinct characteristics that have contributed to its early progress. Yet analysis of SDA’s approach also indicates that other defense acquisition organizations will face challenges adopting the SDA model for their programs. Further, SDA is likely to face its own challenges sustaining its model. Congress and DOD leadership have been supportive of the agency and have given it tremendous budgetary and acquisition flexibility. Whether SDA continues to receive flexibility may depend on its operational success as it pursues quantities and time frames never before achieved in defense space acquisition. 

Author: Andrew Berglund